









'» j^^ vim 































^^^ 



o « 



^^ /-^^^ /^*i»-\ y^-^^"^ /^^' 



6 « " • * "Vj A*^ . •• 



L • ^ l'^ • <^S f 



A Rose d Plymouth -Town 



A Rose o' 



37^ 



Plymouth -Town 



A Romantic Comedy in Four Acts 

by Beulah Marie Dix 

and Evelyn Greenleaf Sutherland 




1903 

The Fortune Press 



THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 

Two Copies WoceWed 

MOV 6 »Q0? 

Q CopyriKht Entry 
CLASfl ^ XXe. No, 

LU 1- ] ^ 

COPY A. 







^ 



<^ 



^ 



(o 



x<\t) 



Copyright, 1903 

Ernest L. Briggs 

Boston 



TO 

MISS MINNIE DUPREE 

WHOSE EXQUISITE IMPERSONATION HAS WON 

FOR OUR "ROSE" 

LOVE AND LONG REMEMBRANCE 

THIS HER STORY 

IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 

BY THE AUTHORS 



THIS PLAY IS AVAILABLE 

FOR AMATEUR PERFORMANCE 

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE AUTHORS 

AND PAYMENT OF ROYALTY 



DRAMATIS PERSONS 

Miles Standish, Captain of Plymouth 
Garrett Foster, of Weston's men 
John Margeson, 



T^ T».T I o^^^ Plymouth colonists 

Philippe de la Noye, J T-n^vU^^^ 

Miriam Chillingsley, cousin to the Captain ^,vu''< ■.'^'' 

Barbara Standish, wife to the Captain .Wv-'^^-lxv^ 

Resolute Story, aunt to the Captain ^ ^ ^] . , nHTZf) 

Rose de la Noye 'CaA-^v^] /"^X, 



Place : Plymouth in New England 
Period: 1622-1623 



Act I. An early Morning in August 

Act II. An Afternoon in October 

Act III. a Night in March 

Act IV. The next Afternoon 



Act I 



Stolen Fruit 



A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 



ACT I 

Scene:— THE KITCHEN OF CAPTAIN STAN- 
DISH S HOUSE. A rude, early-colonial inferior, with 
a great fireplace at L. At Rj a flight of stairs goes up 
to the garret chambers. Door Ri to inner rooms. At C 
the entrance door. Latticed windows LC and Lj. A 
cupboard with dishes and household utensils beneath the 
stairs at R. A great settle before the fireplace. A rude 
table at R. A heavy old chair or two, and some stools 
about the room. 

When the curtain rises the lattices are swung wide and the 
door C is open, giving a view of Plymouth harbor and the 
Manomet headlands, dim and gray in the early dawn. As 
the act goes on, the gray light changes to rosy dawn-light, 
which brightens to sunlight at the entrance of Rose de la 
Noye. 

Before the curtain rises there is distinctly heard a murmur 
of men's voices, a sharp, military-sounding order or two, 
the clash of armor, and the retreating of heavy, marching 
feet. 

At rise of curtain, Barbara Standish, a comely young 
matron, is looking out at the door C. To her enter Rj 
Miriam Chillingsley, a slender young Puritan maid, dressed 
hastily, as if newly risen, and with a nightcap tied under 
her chin. 



2 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Miriam — Mistress Standish! [runs down stairs^ Oh, 
Mistress Standish! 

Barbara— Why, child, what called you from your 
bed so early? 

Enter Ri Aunt Resolute Story , a plump old gentle- 
woman, in a short bed-gown, worn over an elaborately 
quilted petticoat, and a frilled nightcap. 

Aunt Resolute — Called her from bed? 'Tis enough 
to call any poor body from their last bed of all — this 
growling o' men, and clash o' breast-plates, and tramp- 
ling as of Bashan bulls — and the sun not over the sea- 
edge ! Truly, one should have nerves of bow-string, 
ere one come to so nerve-racking a corner ! What's 
toward ? Sits on settle 

Miriam — Ay, what is it hath happened? I heard 
men speak, and Rose — she hath run away and left me 
— she's nowhere in the room. 

Barbara — 'Tis no cause for fear. The Captain was 
summoned in haste, and as we were already well roused 
up, our wild Rose was loath to creep back to bed on 
so fair a morning. She hath run to the spring — 

Aunt Resolute — The Captain summoned? What is 
amiss? Who hath done wrong? 

Barbara — Nay, whence begins all the wrong in our 
little colony in these days ? She begins to set the room to 
rights, straightening chairs, wiping and arranging dishes in 
cupboard, etc, 

Miriam — 'Tis again those lusty men of Master Wes- 
ton's — they who are staying with us till they plant 
their settlement at Wessagusett? 



1ST A ROSE O* PLYMOUTH-TOWN 3 

Barbara — Ay, another brawl in the quarters of Master 
Weston's men, and the Captain called forth in haste to 
cool their hot bloods. 

Miriam — Those wicked firebrands! I heard John 
Margeson say they were naught but the off-scourings 
of London's streets and prisons. 

Aunt Resolute — John Margeson! Ay, a worthy 
citizen he of our new, merry commonwealth of Plym- 
outh ! A merry commonwealth, good lack ! A block- 
house, psalms a plenty, and now and then a bear ! 

Barbara — Nay, sure, dear Aunt, our little Plymouth, 
far though it be, is a sweet and quiet spot. 

Aunt Resolute — Quiet? Quiet? Good lack, so is 
the grave quiet ! An you be so fain to be quiet, why 
not go further than Plymouth, to the one place quieter 
than Plymouth? Points upward 

Barbara — Pray you. Aunt, an you hold our poor 
Plymouth so in contempt, why came you hither from 
your gay London town ? 

Aunt Resolute — When a female hath lived to over- 
ripe years, she cometh to know all the gay thrills that 
even gay London town can give her. I came to your 
little Plymouth in the hope that I might find in the 
wilderness one last new sensation; and for a new sen- 
sation I would go to — Rises excitedly, points downward 

Barbara — (warningly^ Aunt! 

Aunt Resolute — Lord, why shouldn't I say the word ? 
One hears it oft enough in your endless Plymouth 
sermons. Sits 



4 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Miriam — And hast thou found thy new sensation. 
Mistress Story? 

Aunt Resolute — What sensation hath your Plymouth 
to oiFer, unless sensation grow in a cornfield? I go out; 
I hear the men talk of how the corn is growing in the 
fields. I come in ; I hear the women talk of how the 
corn is boiling in their kettles. Oh, rich sensations has 
this, your Plymouth. 

Miriam — Nay, Aunt Resolute. 

Aunt Resolute — Oh, a paradise is Plymouth to you, 
little Miriam, since it doth nest that rare bird, John 
Margeson. 

Miriam — Nay, Mistress Story, to speak so of an ex- 
cellent — 

Aunt Resolute — Excellent? Ay, that's the plague 
of it, that so excellent a man should be so sad a weak- 
ling. The like of him to speak ill of Weston's men ! 
Knaves Weston's men may be, but, God wot, they 
have blood in them, ay, red blood, with a jump to it ! 
Your excellent Margeson — verily, I think his blood 
is green ! 

Miriam — O, Mistress Standish, she would rate Master 
Weston's knaves above John Margeson — those rogues 
of Wessagusett men ! 

Barbara — Nay, nay, dear lass, there may be good 
men in Master Weston's company. 

Miriam — You may speak forbearingly of them. Mis- 
tress Standish. And yet you are waiting here now, I 
know, in very fear lest they do harm unto the Captain, 
your husband. 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 5 

Barbara — Nay, I have no fear for Captain Standish, 
my husband, though the whole three score of Weston's 
buHies were pitted against him. 

Aunt Resolute — Ay, my nephew, the Captain, hath 
his faults, but he's no John Margeson to be frightened 
by the bleat of a ewe — no, nor by the horns of a ram, 
neither ! Goes up to door C 

Miriam — (in tears^ I scarce wake when I'm chidden! 

Barbara — Nay, but we meant not to chide you, dear. 
(Rose is heard laughing outside) Hark ! Yonder comes 
our Rose to sweeten our humor. Dry thine eyes. 

Miriam — Yea, 'tis Rose indeed, [runs to door C) And 
with her comes — 

Aunt Resolute — Your John Margeson, mistress. 
The ewes must lie safe in fold since he's abroad. 

Miriam — Ay, 'tis John. 

Aunt Resolute — Thou art scarce apparelled for a 
levee. Thy nightcap — 

Miriam — (snatching off cap) Good lack, I had forgot! 
(runs up stairs) But you — you also — look but at your 
cap! 

Exit Miriam Rj. 

Aunt Resolute — Nay, when a female hath lived to 
my years, it matters little if she go abroad nightcapped 
— or bide at home wi' nightcap and naught else! Rest 
you fair, niece Barbara, rest you fair ! 

Exit Aunt Resolute Ri. 

Barbara — Come your ways in. Rose! Truly, you 
bring the sweet o' the morning with you ! 



6 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Enter C Rose de la Noye, a little, curly-haired lass 
of seventeen, dressed after the Puritan fashion, but 
herself without a trace of the Puritan in face or bear- 
ing. She carries a red rose in her hand, and comes 
running in, laughing. 

Behind her come Philippe de la Noye, a dark, sturdy 
Huguenot lad of eighteen, and fohn Margeson, a 
young man in his early twenties, heavy and rather 
sullen-faced. The two lads carry between them a 
bucket of water. 

Rose — Good greeting to you. Mistress Barbara. I go 
forth unattended; I return — regard! {^points to the lads 
who have paused in doorway^ Set down the bucket yon- 
der, good servants, and I will prepare the breakfast. 
Come, Mistress Standish, what will you? A boiled 
capon, a roasted neat's tongue, a pasty of venison, an 
olave pie, a roasted swan — or a ravishing porridge of 
beans.? Ah, I know ere I ask. *Twill be the divine, 
the ecstatic bean porridge! With it I have lived, and 
with it I shall die — and of it I shall die, if I bide out 
my life in this lost corner of the world ! Why stand 
you twain idle there ? Pray you now, John Margeson, 
fill me the kettle, and you. Brother Philippe, mend me 
the fire. 

John — Suffer me do it. fohn and Philippe mend fire, 
fill kettle, etc. 

Rose — Now do you go in, mistress, and leave me, for 
to cook bean porridge doth require a skill, a delicacy, 
the fine hand — you Englishwomen have not the art! 

Barbara — But little shrew, may I not cook in mine 
own kitchen ? 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 7 

Rose — What have you, the mistress of this castle, to 
do with cooking ? Also, you are no cook ! Go in and 
put on a cambric kerchief, and so be beautiful to our 
eyes. 

Barbara — Hush, hush ! You giddy-tongued flatterer! 

Rose — You call me ill names, and I will no longer 
adorn your house with my presence. Go, leave me to 
work! Morbleu, will you — 

Philippe — Rose ! Rose ! Crosses to her 

Rose — Ay, see how she will drive me to swear ! And 
my immortal soul, alas, my immortal soul ! Co ! Par 
le sambleu — 

Barbara — [covering her ears with her hands\ I'm gone! 
I'm gone! 

Esxit Barbara Ri. 

Rose — Sa, sa, p'tit, Philippe! The naughty word was 
so near the lip, 'twas better to let it forth than swallow 
it to spoil my porridge. Also you do not understand 
the French tongue, eh, John Margeson? 

John — Nay, mistress. 

Rose — A pity! 'Tis a noble tongue, an extraordinary 
tongue, a tongue with possibilities ! [lays cloth on table 
R, with Philippe's help^ And now since you two have 
been drawers of water, be also my hewers of wood. 
You will fetch it me, will you not, Philippe, honey? 

Philippe — Ay, surely, sister. I'll fetch an armful of 
wood for you, and John shall bring one for sweetheart 
Miriam. 

John — Whose sweetheart? 



8 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Philippe — Why, yours. 

John — Who saith so? 

Philippe — All the town. 

John — Believe not all the town says. Starts to door C 

Re-enter Miriam Rj. 

Miriam — Good morrow to you all. Good morrow, 
John. Comes down stairs 

John — (indifferently^ Good morrow, good morrow, 
Miriam. Is it wood you bid me fetch. Rose? 

Rose — Ay. 

Miriam — John, a moment. John, cannot you — I 
had — I wished — 

John — Time presses, Miriam. What is it you would 
say? 

Miriam— Sure, I've near forgot. You spoke so sharp, 
you put it from my mind. 

John — Perhaps you will recall it ere we meet again. 

Miriam — (eagerly^ When shall that be? 

John — I know not. I must sail this morning for 
Nauset with the Captain. 

Miriam — To Nauset? So far a journey, John? 

John — Why, what matters it? 

Miriam — What matters it! 

John — Yea, I know not how I have deserved so large 
a place in your thoughts that it should matter, [to Rose) 
God be wi' you ! 

Exit jfo/in C . 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 9 

Miriam — John! Leans against door-frame, back to room 

Rose — Pig that he is! Why dost thou not kill him, 
Philippe ? 

Philippe — What quarrel have I with friend John? 

Rose — Oh, you men, you men ! You will uphold each 
other in all knavery ! 

Philippe — But Rose, if John doth not love Miriam — 

Rose — But Philippe, if Miriam loves John ! 

Philippe — Yet still 'tis no crime though he — 

Rose — No crime? No crime? 'Tis a hanging crime 
if a lad with red blood in him doth meet love in a 
sweet maid's eyes and not look loving back — when it 
is summer-time, when — Ay, but what can a lad such 
as thou know of these matters ? 

Philippe — (indignantly^ Eh? Miriam sobs aloud 

Rose — My poor Miriam ! Listen, Philippe, 'tis you 
must be vastly gentle to her. 

Philippe — [huffily) Nay, I know naught of such 
matters. 

Rose — She is as my own sister, I say. Be you as her 
own brother, and kind to her as a brother. 

Philippe — Methinks, Rose, the kindness here must 
come from you. 

Rose — How kinder than I am always to her? 

Philippe — By being more unkind to John Margeson. 
[goes to door C; speaks hesitatingly to Miriam) May I 
pass hence, mistress ? 



lo A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Miriam — Oh! (moves from door-way^ Forgive me ! 

Philippe — Mayhap you'd not be loath to walk forth 
a pace or two? 'Tis a fair morning. Belike you'll 
feel freer out o' doors. There's the fresh breeze and 
sweet smelling things. 

Miriam — [indifferently^ Yea, I'll come. 

Exeunt Philippe and Miriam C. 

Rose — By being unkind to John Margeson ! What 
mean he ? Why, can he dare — Oh, oh ! Find me 
two men, and I'll find you a fool and a half! Nay, I 
wrong men ; I'll find you two fools ! Slight my 
Miriam that loves him for — 

Re-enter yolin C, witl? armful of wood 

Now to see ! (without looking round^ Oh, are you come, 
dear ? 

John — Dear! L,ets wood fall to floor 

Rose — 'Tis you? Methought it was my brother 
Philippe. Oh, pardon me that I — that I — 

John — What is it I have to pardon that you called me 
by a name so pleasant to hear? 

Rose — I thought it might be that you would take 
amiss — 

John — [ardently^ How could I take it amiss? 

Rose — Then you're not angry ? 

John — Angry ! 

Rose — (laughing) Then pray you, pick up my wood for 
me, good John. Sets table with plates, cups, a loaf etc. 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN ii 



John — Ay, Rose. Places wood by hearth 

Rose — John. Methinks the name comes sweetly to 
my lips. 

John — Rose! Can you feel that? My name? 

Rose — There was a time I had an attachment, an hon- 
est tenderness for one that bore the name of John. 
Some ways you do recall him to me. 

John — [jealously') A lover, was it? 

Rose — You might call it so, if to love truly make a 
lover. Brown eyes he had, dear eyes, and he would 
lick my hand so tenderly — 

John — Lick? A lover? What do you talk of. Rose? 

Rose — Why, of my well-beloved dog, English John, 
we called him. He's dead now two years, poor sweet- 
heart ! 

John — A cur dog ! 

Rose — Nay, there be dogs that none may call cur, as 
there be men one may call naught else ! Oh, oh ! 
You're angry in earnest now ! 

John — Do you think it kindly, mistress, to play thus 
with a friendly heart? 

Rose — Do you think it manly, John Margeson, to 
play with a loving heart? 

John — I know not what you mean. 

Rose — You will not know. It is of Miriam we speak. 
And you do know. Speak truly. 



12 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

John — Do you hold it Christian charity to condemn 
a man for that the gossips have mauled him with their 
idle tongues? It is naught but gossip, I tell you. I 
have never spoken what may be construed love to any 
maid in the colony or plighted faith to any. 

Rose — And since you have not sealed a formal be- 
trothal, you do hold yourself free ? May one not 
speak without words, and stand bound thereby? Do 
you hold yourself free, I say ? 

JoHN-^Would you judge otherwise? 

Rose — Nay, I'll take instruction in this case from you. 

John — Will you take instruction from me in aught 
else, beside, sweet Rose? 

Rose — Perchance 'tis in me to give you some excellent 
instruction myself, sir. 

John — And I may come hither to receive it, then ? 

Rose — Surely, I have no right to shut the door on 
Captain Standish's friends. 

John — I thank you. 

Rose — In the end you will not thank me, more than 
the lad thanks the rod. 

John — I'll lay the warning to heart, be sure! 

Exit "John C, laughing. 

Rose — You will? [runs to door) I warned him fairly! 
So he will come seeking me and leave my Miriam to 
weep? Oh, I'll punish you — I'll punish you roundly! 
Hey, John Margeson, I'll lead you such a dance! 
You'll achefor't! 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 13 

An armful of green corn flies through window L, and 
after it enter headlong Garrett Foster, a well-favored 
young dare-devil of twenty, coatless and bareheaded. 

Rose — Oh! 

Garrett — Hide me ! Hide me quick ! 

Rose — You've been stealing corn ! 

Garrett — Most evidently! And also, if they take 
me, I'll be flogged. Where can I hide ? 

Rose — I'm not helping you! I vv^on't help you, I say! 

Garrett — [catching her by the wrist^ Mistress, did you 
ever see a man flogged? 

Rose — No, nor want to see one. 

Garrett — Then you'd best hide me quick. 'Tis 
hardly prettier to see than to feel. Dashes to door Ri 

Rose — No, no! Mistress Standish is w^ithin! Stop 
there ! 

Garrett — (hiding by cupboard, in angle of stairs^ 
They're coming. Don't tell ! 

Rose — But I — but I — 

Garrett — Don't tell, I say! 

Re-enter fohn C, hastily. 

John — Rose ! Rose ! Have you seen — 

Rose — O John ! I'm so frightened ! A man jumped 
in at our v^indow^ but now^, and — and — 

John — ^Which way did he run? Beggarly thief! The 
Captain will flay him alive for this. 



14 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Rose — Flay! Oh! He — he jumped in at the win- 
dow, and — and he ran out again by the door I Did 
you not see ? Run, run, John ! Stop him ! That way, 
I pray you, run ! 

John — The thief! You do well to wish him caught! 

Exit John C, running. 

Rose — Run, run, good John ! That way ! Yea, but 
I wish you may catch him ! 

Garrett — (coming forward^ I am your very slave for 
this, mistress — Mistress Rose. (Kose stands back to, at 
window y ignoring his presence) I offered you my humble 
thanks, mistress. I am in your debt. I pray you 
believe — (strikes his jist on table) Zounds, mistress, are 
you dumb ? 

Rose — (turning) Are you deaf? Did you not hear me 
swear but now you were halfway to the shore ? Verily, 
you cannot be in two places at once, nor will I be 
forsworn. 

Garrett — Oh, but there's been ample time for me 
to have dodged that thick-skull, made a circuit through 
Dr. Fuller's dooryard, and returned hither again. 

Rose — And pray, who bade you return ? 

Garrett — If I waited to be bidden, I had often stood 
on the wrong side of men's doors. 

Rose — You stand far on the wrong side of our door 
now. Pack hence! 

Garrett — (sits by table) Wherefore.? 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH -TOWN 15 

Rose — Lest along with our corn you carry away our 
kettle to cook it in, and our spoons and trenchers to 
eat it withal. 

Garrett — Nay, so I have the corn, I can shift with 
my fingers. 

Rose — Are you so hungry, then? Truly, you have 
not the air of it. 

Garrett — I'll not claim I'm starving. But if you 
had kept life alive these weary weeks on salt ship's beef 
and biscuits swarming with — 

Rose — Come! These are not pretty stories. And so 
the corn waved — 

Garrett — Ay, the corn beckoned with fair green 
fingers and said — Taste an I be not sweet ! 

Rose — And the corn whispered not — I am thy neigh- 
bor's corn.? 

Garrett — You know the wise saw.f* 

Rose — Nay. 

Garrett — As to stolen fruit and its sweetness? 

Rose — Stolen fruit — 

Garrett — And truly the biscuits swarmed with — 

Rose — Hush, hush! (cuts slice from loaf^ Eat of this, 
and forget the biscuits. 'Tis of my cooking, so you 
must find it good. 

Garrett — Nay, I have no will to beg food of you. 

Rose — Tut, tut! You that have such proud stomachs 
deserve to have empty stomachs. There ! (breaks a piece 



1 6 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

from slice of bread, nibbles at it) I'll bid you eat with 
me. Will that salve your honor ? 

Garrett — I thank you, mistress, (takes bread and eats) 
And on mine honor, had I had such inviting to my 
lively biscuits, I had found them ambrosia. 

Rose — Dear, dear! The civil thief! Curtsies 

Garrett — And the uncivil hostess to cry thief! 

Rose — But you are no guest of my choosing. 

Garrett — Faith, I'd not be here, though, were it 
not for you. 'Twas right kind of you to aid me. 

Rose — Aid you ? Nay, flatter not yourself. I wished 
to see good John Margeson run with his long legs. 
He's stoutening fast; 'tis excellent that he run. And 
what a stitch he will have in his side, poor John ! 

Garrett — [laying hand on the knife in his belt) An he 
laid hands on me, he had had something sharper than 
that in his side. 

Rose — Verily, we are a great fire-eater — now that 
John hath run round the corner ! 

Garrett — (rising) 'Sdeath! Do you think that I — 

Rose — Turn all your anger to the bread, I pray you. 
Another slice? 

Garrett — Ay. 

Rose — You are one of Weston's men, I take it ? Their 
ways and manners are known to us, you see. 

Garrett — I'm bound to plant at Wessagusett, yes. 

Rose — And what do you think to do there? 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 17 

Garrett — Grow tobacco. 

Rose — What! 

Garrett — Why not? They grow it in Virginia. 

Rose — But this is not Virginia ! 

Garrett — 'Tis all in America. What diiFerence? 

Rose — You'll find a difference when winter comes. 
You'll not roam about without your doublet then. 

Garrett — Faith, but I think I will. For I have no 
doublet. 

Rose — Now who was it was so crack-brained as to 
send the like of you to settle for yourself in a new 
country ? 

Garrett — My kinsfolk sent me. What would you ? 
A younger son, with no inheritance ! My uncle, 
Garrett Foster, he for whom I am named, he supplied 
me with bare necessaries, and bade me never come 
trouble him again. And I gambled away the bare 
necessaries when we put in at Plymouth in Devonshire. 
And here I am, bare indeed! 

Rose — Tut, tut 1 And you are to plant a colony ! 
Will you eat another slice of bread ? 

Garrett — Nay, I could not eat another mouthful, 
not even of ambrosia. 'Twas good bread, though. 

Rose — Surely! Did I not say I made it? I can cook 
better, spin faster, and dance longer than any maid in 
New Plymouth. 

Garrett — Dance? You are no kin to the Puritan 
captain, I'll wager I 



1 8 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Rose — Captain Standish is no Puritan, and he hath 
danced in his day. But true enough, I am no kin to 
him. I am only gracious to Hve in his house because 
I love Mistress Standish and their cousin Miriam. 
'Tis a sad colony, this, Garrett Foster. There's not 
much here to love. 

Garrett — But you — 

Rose — Oh, I came hither to keep the house for my 
brother Philippe, but they said for that I was not old 
and wrinkled, I was not sober enough to rule a house- 
hold, and I must bide under another's household rule. 

Garrett — Methinks I'd trust you over a house, now, 
to-day ! 

Rose — Oh, your obliged servant, sir! But I'd not 
trust you in the cornfield that lay beside my house. 

Garrett — I would you did not taunt me with that. 

Rose — Have you not deserved it? 

Garrett — No ! On my soul, no ! What grows out 
of doors, is't not for any man ? 

Rose — Not when another hath had sore trouble to 
make it grow. Why, corn is as gold in this bleak new 
world of ours. 

Garrett — I'll grant you're right, and 'twas a rascally 
prank. But for one prank, do I lose the right of a 
gentleman ? Tries to take her hand 

Rose — When you come into our cottage by its door, 
like a gentleman, I'll think of treating you as one. 

Garrett — Why, nothing easier ! [steps out at door C, 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH -TOWN 19 

comes in again) There now, I claim my privilege. A 
salute, as you would give it to a gentleman ! 

Rose — [dodging) You do not play fair! 

Garrett — {chasing her) And you do not pay fair! 

Rose — You were best not tarry to take the stakes. 
Captain Standish may come. 

Garrett — Hang your Captain Standish ! Do you 
think I fear him? 

Rose — {at door C) It's well you do not, sir. He's 
coming up the path now. 

Garrett — {^running to window) The devil! 

Rose — His enemies think him so. Nay, you cannot 
go by the window. He'll see you. 

Garrett — {running to door) The door — 

Rose — {barring his way) Oh, no! How happy you 
do not fear him ! Now what will you tell him about 
that corn? 

Garrett — Devil take the corn ! If he see me 'twill 
all come out ! 

Miriam — {without) Rose! Rose! 

Garrett — Curse it ! Flings corn on settle, drops down 
between end of settle and fireplace, where the high back of 
the settle screens him from the sight of those in the room 

Re-enter Miriam C, followed by Standish, a well 
set-up, soldierly man of thirty-eight, in the military 
dress of the period, with a long cloak over his arm. 

Miriam — You have set all in order? Forgive my 
lingering, Rose. I had not guessed it so late. 



20 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Standish — Good morrow, Major Rose! Rose takes 
the cloak fro?n Standish , and flings it over corner of settle^ 
hiding the corn. 

Re-enter Barbara Ri. 

Barbara — You are returned, Miles ? Good welcome ! 

Standish — Ay, sweetheart, returned, and none the 
worse except in temper, and breakfast will set that 
right. 

Barbara — And our kind Rose hath prepared for us 
already. Sit at once. Starts to fireplace. Standish and 
Miriam sit at table. 

Rose — (intercepting Barbara^ Nay, you sit too. Mistress 
Standish. 

Barbara — But little Rose, you are not to serve us 
always. Suffer me to — 

RosEt — ^There, there! Will you spoil good porridge 
by ill serving ? Sit you down ! Captain, command 
her be seated, else I'll throw the porridge fair in the 
fire. 

Barbara — A wilful wench must have her way ! Sits 
at table. 

Re-enter Ri Aunt Resolute, conventionally dressed. 

Aunt Resolute — Be the wars over, nephew? You're 
welcome back ! Sits at table 

Garrett — (to Rose) 'Tis vengeance hot here! 

Rose — (at fireplace') If we may believe the preachers, 
there be hotter corners yet for men who steal their 
neighbors' corn. 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 21 

Barbara — Rose! Rose crosses and sits at table. Stan- 
dish says grace in dumb-show. Rose rises , fetches kettle 
fromjire and serves porridge, 

Barbara — So the matter for which they called you 
forth still disturbs you. Miles? 

Standish — Not the matter, but that I might not lay 
my hands on the workers of the matter. When I 
came to the quarters of those rogues of Wessagusett 
men, all was at sleepy peace — fair white lambs that 
they be ! Garrett puts out his arm, secures a stool, and 
settles himself more comfortably in his hiding place, observed 
only by Aunt Resolute. 

Barbara — So it is with all their mischief! 

Standish — Well, my time will come later. The first 
man of them I take self-convicted of breaking the col- 
ony laws — I'll make an example of him ! 

Rose — And what would you do to him. Captain ? 

Standish — It depends on what the man had done, 
lass. Now, for instance, if I come on one of the corn 
thieves who are wasting our fields, I'll have him 
stripped and flogged through the settlement. 

Rose — Do you mean that in earnest, Captain? In 
earnest ? 

Standish — In sore earnest. The laws of the colony 
are not made for a laughing-stock. 

Aunt Resolute — Nay, 'tis a cruel, harsh punishment. 
Whipped ? For a paltry ear or so of corn ? Mean and 
cruel, say I ! 



22 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Standish — Not cruel, when 'tis deserved. A paltry- 
ear of corn ? Every ear of corn closes death's open 
door in our black winters. 'Tis better one stole gold 
of us than corn. John Margeson says — 

Aunt Resolute — John Margeson ! 

Standish — Ay, he hath eyes, and his eyes saw a thief 
in our cornfield but an hour agone. He gave chase, 
but the man out-ran him. Now if I had that man — 

The people at table talk in dumb-show 

Garrett — (to Rose, as she crosses tojire) Rose! 

Rose — Tudieul Did you not hear him? Be quiet 
and sit close. 

Garrett — 'Tis cursed hot ! My throat is parched. 

Rose — Hush! Wait! Takes gourd fro?n end of fireplace 

Barbara — Come, come, child, will you never sit and 
eat? 

Rose — (fi^^ gourd at water bucket^ A moment till I 
weaken the porridge, good Mistress Standish. (^gives 
gourd to Garrett) There! 

Garrett — I thank you mightily. Drinks 

Rose — [sits at table') Now you shall see. I will eat 
thrice as much as any for this delay. 

Standish — Faith, you attack nobly. Major Rose. 'Tis 
well we are going to fetch fresh stores from Nauset; 
you'd exhaust our supply else. 

Barbara — To Nauset this day? 

Standish — If the wind hold from the westward, yes. 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 23 

Rose — Ay, 'tis still a western wind by the smoke. 
You will have to leave us so soon as you have eaten ? 

Standish — The self-same instant. 

Rose — (clapping her hands^ Good! Good! 

Barbara- — [indignantly') "Good," sayest thou? 

Rose — O Mistress Standish! Nay, I — I but meant 
*twas good to see how brave an answer he ever hath 
for duty. 

Aunt Resolute — [aside to Rose) Flutter not too oft 
near a hidden nest. Too many hunters know the trick. 

Rose — O Mistress Story! Thou knowest — 

Aunt Resolute — I know that the lad hath broad 
shoulders and brave eyes. *Tis not of such lads I 
make tales. 

Rose — God bless thee! 

Barbara — Come and go, we never have sight of thee. 

Miles. 

Standish — Nay, Barbara, I — Garrett smothers a cough 

Miriam — [startled) Oh! 

Barbara — Why, child, what is it? 

Miriam — I thought I heard — 

Rose — Nay, little goose, 'tis not John Margeson you 
hear. Let me fill your bowl once more. Mistress 
Standish. 

Barbara — Why, Tve not yet eaten — 

Rose — No matter! You want some more — I know 
you want some more! [runs to fireplace ; speaks aside to 
Garrett) Be quiet ! Lord ! Lord ! You must be quiet ! 



24 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Garrett — There's a draught from the window fair 
across my neck. Rose, I'll have to sneeze in a minute. 

Rose — Sneeze? You shall not! You shall die first! 

Garrett — I can't help it! I — can't! I — 

Rose — Quick, then ! Diable ! Quick! Garrett sneezes 
violently. Rose at same time makes pantomime of sneezing 

Miriam — Oh, bless me! 

Standish — Good lack, what a sneeze! 'Twas the 
sneeze of a horse-trooper. 

Aunt Resolute — Nay, *tis naught to worry on. I 
have sneezed that sneeze myself when I was young — 
Ay, many a time ! 

Barbara — Why, Rose, child, whence got you such a 
cold? 

Miriam — Rose, you did not wear your thin shoes to 
the spring? 

Rose — Yes, yes, but 'tis no matter. A sneeze — that's 
naught. Returns to table 

Barbara — You are so heedless, feather-pate. 

Standish — Nay, you must not let yourself fall ill, our 
Rose. 

Rose — Oh, I'm not ill — not ill ! [Garrett stifles a cough) 
Oh ! Captain Standish, let me serve you more porridge. 
[crosses to fireplace ; to Garrett) Don't you dare do that 
again ! I'm near dead of it. 

Garrett — I'm going to. I can't help it. Rose. That 
cursed draught — 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 25 

Rose — Well, sneeze then, and let the Captain find you, 
if he will ! 

Garrett — 'Tis no use. I — Garrett sneezes loudly 
and Rose pretends to sneeze. 

Miriam — O my goodness ! 

Standish — Why, why. Major! 

Barbara — There, 'tis enough. That child must have 
a drink of bitter herbs. Goes to cupboard 

Rose — O Mistress Standish ! Nay, I do not want your 
bitter herbs. Comes to table 

Barbara — Indeed, you do want them, if ever a lass 
did. {^prepares herbs'^ And now after this remember to 
dress yourself fittingly ere you venture out in the damp 
and the dew. 

Aunt Resolute — Ay, bitter herbs oft come after such 
sneezing. I've drunk the bitter herbs too in my time. 

Rose — Did they cure thee.? No.? 

Aunt Resolute — Nay, time did that. But bitter 
herbs be wholesome. 

Miriam — (rises and starts to fireplace^ Shall I fetch 
the hot water? 

Rose — [Seizing Miriam, with a loud shriek^ Oh! Do 
not thou meddle with my matters! Sit thee down, 
Miriam! If I must drink those bitter herbs, 'tis I 
who'll brew them. But oh ! I hate your herb drink. 
Mistress Standish. I will not take it. 'Tis so bitter — 
'twill make me ill indeed ! [Barbara starts tojire) Nay, 
nay, trouble not yourself! I'll fetch the hot water, if 



26 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

I must, (runs to fire') But I do not want it, I tell you, 
I — (aside to Garrett) I hear you! You'll kill us both, 
plague on you ! 

Garrett — I'm cursed sorry! Garrett sneezes , and 
Rose again makes pretense of sneezing. 

Barbara — That settles it! Now there's no need to 
gainsay me further. Rose, bring the hot water. (Rose 
unwillingly brings the kettle, and Barbara brews the drink) 
There, it is brewing bravely. Now sit you down 
snugly in the chimney-corner with me, like a good lass, 
and drink it steaming hot. Starts to lead Rose to settle 

Rose — Nay, nay. Mistress Standish, I do not like to be 
cosseted when I am ill. Take thy hands from me, 
prithee ! 

Barbara — Why, Rose! Sweetheart! 

Rose — O Mistress Standish, I do love thee, I do — my 
heart on't! — but prithee leave me alone now, leave me 
alone ! Sits on end of settle nearest to Garrett 

Rarbara — (returning to table) Miles, I do fear me our 
poor Rose is truly ill. 

Aunt Resolute — Wilt never learn that some illnesses 
must wear themselves out? Let the lass rest. 

Standish — Nay, had I not best summon Dr. Fuller 
hither ? 

Miriam — Let me run fetch him. 

Barbara — Nay, stay a little. Talks with Standish 

Rose — (raising mug to her lips) Bah! This fearsome 
stuff! I abominate it! I loathe it! (Garrett smothers 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 27 



a laugh) Now mark me ! 'Tis you shall drink it, 
Garrett Foster. 'Tis you have the cold, not I. 'Tis 
you did the sneezing, when truth's said. 

Garrett — Poor lass! Give it me here! (takes a 
swallow') Ugh ! 'Tis fair devilish ! 

Rose — 'Tis I know that. Shut your eyes and drink. 

Watches him, not heeding the others 

Standish — (rising) Ay, I'll say a word to the Doctor, 
as I go down the hill. 

Barbara — You must go forth now, husband? 

Standish — I bade the men await me at the landing. 
Nay, 'tis not for long. We'll return the day after 
to-morrow. Fret not, sweetheart. If you need a 
man for aught till I return, call on Philippe, remem- 
ber, and so — (takes his cloak from settle, exposing corn 
beneath) What's this .? Faith of a soldier, what's this ? 

Rose — (springing up) O me! We're sped! 

Standish — Young corn, and freshly plucked? Nay, 
Barbara, if we devour it now, what shall we have to 
keep us through the winter? How couldest thou, 
wife? 

Barbara — There is no one of our household plucked 
it. Miles. I know not how it came hither. Thou 
knowest we would not pluck the corn. 

Miriam — ^Why, sure, 'tis witchcraft ! 

Rose — Nay, nay, no witchcraft, not in the least, I 
do assure you. 'Twas I gathered it. 

All — ^You ? Rose ! 



28 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Rose — I. You know I'm not of your sober blood. 
The sun of France warmed mischiefs in me. 'Twas a 
madcap whim took me, to do a thing forbid, 'twas — 

Aunt Resolute — A brave fight, little Major! 

Barbara — And is that the mischief hath worried you 
ill. Rose ? [starts toward her^ O Rose ! 

Rose — Do not come near me! 

Standish — Faith, I could not have believed it of the 
lass ! What set you to do such a thing ? A thing so 
wanton, so hurtful, so — 

Rose— Oh, I— I— Sobs 

Garrett — (rises and comes forward^ Mistress Rose is 
generous — and mistaken. She did not pluck the corn. 

Aunt Resolute — And there speaks another good 
soldier ! 

Standish — You, is it, Garrett Foster — Foster of Wes- 
ton's men? Then it's not far to look for the thief 
John Margeson saw. So you have been concealing 
this fellow and his plunder. Rose ? 

Garrett — I frightened her into concealing me. 

Rose — Nay, he frightened me not. I — 

Standish — You confess the theft then, sirrah? 

Garrett — Ay. And now what next? 

Standish — (motioning to door C) Go out before me. 

Garrett — To the whipping-post? I, a gentleman? 

Standish — To the whipping-post. Thou, a thief. 



1ST A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 29 

Garrett — (with a short laugh^ Ay, and more than 
thief before a man lays whip to me ! Draws his knife 
and holds it ready behind him. 

Rose — Garrett Foster! What have you there behind 
you ? Give it me. I bid you give it to me. For a mo- 
ment Garrett looks at Rose, then he lays his knife in her hand 

Rose — [turning to Standish) You see. He trusts me. 
He is an unarmed man, and he has eaten of my bread. 
I'll not have him whipped — do you hear. Captain of 
Plymouth.? He shall not suffer a thief's shame for a 
boy's prank — he who has eaten of my bread ! 

Barbara — Miles, I beg of you. Miles ! Mayhap the 
lad was hungry, mayhap — 

Standish — Hungry? (Looks at Garrett, with some 
amusement^ Verily, he hath a starved look ! 

Aunt Resolute — Do none steal save from hunger? 
I trapped thee in my apple orchard once on a time. 
Captain of Plymouth ! 

Barbara — In pity. Miles, do not deal too harshly — 

Rose — 'Tis I will be whipped, if any's whipped. And 

I'll not be whipped while I've Garrett Foster's knife ! 

Thrusts it out toward Standish, handle foremost 

Standish — (laughing in spite of himself) Thou art 
terrible! (takes knife from her) Well, Garrett Foster, 
your skin is saved for the present. 

Garrett — Gramercy for that. Captain! I'm long 
your debtor. Starts for door 

Standish — Nay, you part not so easily. Your judg- 
ment's yet to be spoke ; now hear it ere you part. Sit 



3° 



A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 



you down, yonder on the settle. (Garrett sits unwil- 
lingly\ Now, Mistress Rose, sit you down there ! Sit 
you down! [Kose sits beside Garrett^ Now, Mistress 
Rose, for the part you had in this roguery, you may 
husk and roast that pile of corn, and you, Garrett 
Foster, for your part, will not stir from that spot till 
you have eaten it — ay, every jot! 

Garrett — All of it? Lord! All of it? 

Standish — To the last kernel. 

Garrett — I've just eaten one breakfast. 

Standish — So much the unluckier for your stomach. 
That, or — Points to door 

Garrett — I take it, I can eat it. 

Standish — I take it you can. Turns away to door 

Rose — Corn's no bad change from porridge — and 
you robbed me of my breakfast. You may count on me 
for an ear or twain. Kose and Garrett begin to husk corn 

Barbara — I thank you that you did spare him. Miles. 

Standish — 'Tis a knave unwhipped that deserves to be. 
But rd pardon a worse than he for your sake, wench. 

Exeunt Standish and Barbara C, Miriam and Aunt 
Resolute R. 

Rose — If you be not sick of the taste of roasted corn 
soon ! Yet I have heard that stolen fruit — 

Garrett — It's true enough. Stolen fruit is — [he takes 
her hand, as it rests on the edge of the settle, and suddenly 
kisses it^ 'Tis monstrous sweet ! 

CURTAIN 



Act 11 



A Maid's Toys 



A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 31 



ACT II 

Scene:— THE DOORTARD OF CAPTAIN STAN- 
DISH'S COTTAGE. At L the rude porch of the cot- 
tage, with a door opening into the house. At R an old 
tree stump. The tall trees, with their red or russet autumn 
foliage, grow up to the edge of the dooryard. At back, 
through an opening in the trees, can be seen the fields, with 
the shocks of corn, the harbor, and the distant headlands. 
The golden autumn light lies on all the fields and the wood- 
land, and the leaves are falling softly. 
At rise of curtain, Standish sits reading in a great chair 
upon the porch. Barbara sits near by, spinning at her 
wheel. 



32 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Barbara — ( singing ) 

Now my love is roving gone, 
Welladay, welladay ! 
Which makes me sigh and moan, 
Evermore still ! 

Standish — Barbara! [after a moment) Barbara! 

Barbara — What is it, Miles ? 

Standish — Hath Garrett Foster fetched in those 
pumpkins ? 

Barbara — Pumpkins, Miles? What hast thou to do 
therewith? Verily, I thought thee leagues hence with 
thy famous Julius Caesar. 

Standish — May I not have a respect for the great 
Roman, and yet have a weakness for pumpkin sauce? 

Barbara — For your comfort then — the pumpkins are 
safely housed! [sings) 

Now must I weep in woe, 
Now must I mourning go, 
No comfort will I know. 
Since my dear's away I 
Miles ! 

Standish — Yes, Barbara. What wouldest thou? 

Barbara — How much longer is Garrett Foster to bide 
at Plymouth? 

Standish — It would seem, Barbara, till Garrett Foster 
is pleased to take himself hence. 

Barbara — Weston's sick men whom we kept here to 
nurse, sail away this afternoon to their own colony at 
Wessagusett, is it not so ? 



2ND A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 33 

Standish — And 'tis your wish that Garrett sail with 
them? 

Barbara — There is no reason that a lusty youth such 
as he should tarry here longer upon any score of sickness. 

Standish — So you hold those rakeshames at Wessa- 
gusett good playfellows for a lusty youth ? Eh, Barbara ? 

Barbara — Since you'll have all my mind — I hold 
Garrett Foster not a fit playfellow for our Rose. 

Standish — Rose, eh? So you think — 

Barbara — I think, for all I am angered with Rose 
that she doth so conduct her toward John Margeson 
and Miriam, still I do think she is at heart too good a 
lass for such a rapscallion as Garrett Foster. 

Standish — Tut, tut! There's no harm in Garrett. 
Hath he not labored faithfully amongst us these 
months? And he handles sword and musket as tidily 
as any man in the colony — better by far than your 
worthy John Margeson. A good lad, with red blood 
in him! 

Barbara — But no good lad for Rose! 

Standish — But, Bab — Rises 

Barbara — Nay, I say! i^sings^ 

Now the daylight fair is gone, 

Lullaby, lullaby 1 

And the dark comes creeping on — 

Are you not of my mind. Miles ? 

Standish — I must e'en make myself of thy mind, I 
take it, if I'm to have peace in my own house! 



34 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Though I'll tell thee again, I have a rare liking for 
Garrett. Something of a dare-devil, the lad may be, 
but I tell thee the dare-devils make the best soldiers 
and the best seamen — 

Barbara — And the best husbands. Miles? Eh, then? 

Standish — How guessed you that. Puss? 

Barbara — I guessed it not. I know it — by experience. 

Standish — Do you, you witch ? And will you shut 
our Rose from this same blissful experience? What 
am I to read in that? 

Barbara — This, Miles: it taketh a discreet woman 
to live at peace with a dare-devil. 

Standish — On my soul, you shall pay me for that 
self-praise ! Kisses her 

Enter from the wood Philippe, carrying two rapiers. 

Philippe — Pardon me. Captain Standish. Do I come 
amiss ? 

Standish — Amiss? What should make you think so? 
May not a man kiss his wife, so it be not the Sabbath ? 

Philippe — Nay, nay, I — 

Barbara — Were you seeking Rose, Philippe? She 
hath gone forth with Garrett to gather nuts. 

Philippe — To be sure, yes, I was seeking Rose. Did 
— did Miriam Chillingsley go with her? 

Barbara — Nay, Miriam kept the house. 

Philippe — She is not ill, good Mistress Standish? 

Barbara — 111? Oh, no! Sit you down, Philippe. 



2ND A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 35 

Philippe — Yea, an I may. I'll wait till Rose comes. 

Sits on stumpy polishes rapiers 

Standish — Thou'rt a good lad, Philippe. 'Tis seldom 
I have seen a youth more devoted to his sister. 

Enter from wood Aunt Resolute, leaning on a staff. 

Aunt Resolute — Devoted to his sister? To his sis- 
ter ? Ay, ay, surely ! What else should bring our 
Philippe hither at all hours of the day, but devotion to 
his sister? 

Exit Standish into wood, laughing. 

Yet of late, he hath been so often at our door, a sus- 
picion is on me, he cometh not always to see his sister, 
but to see — 

Philippe — (in alarm) Mistress Story! 

Aunt Resolute — Nay, 'tis time thou wert told it, 
plump and fair — there's no hope for thee, lad ! There's 
no hope for thee! 

Philippe — [in agony) Mistress Story! 

Aunt Resolute--No hope, I tell thee, no! Youth- 
ful as is my seeming, I have laid past such vanities as 
wooing and wedding more years than one. 

Philippe — (utterly amazed) Mistress Story! 

Aunt Resolute — Nay, was it not a-wooing to me 
that thou camest hither so oft, Philippe? 

Philippe — Mistress Story! O Lord! You — I — O, 
Mistress Story ! 

Aunt Resolute — Not I? Well, well, how even a 
woman of some experience may misread a youth. Not 



36 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

I, eh? [Philippe shakes his head^ smiling bashfully yet 
mischievously^ Well, mayhap 'twere best. For I take it 
a marriage with such disparity in years as ours would 
set all tongues a-wagging, even in Plymouth — ay, even 
in Plymouth! 

Philippe — (with relief^ Mistress Story ! Kisses her hand 

Aunt Resolute — Nay, nay! Not before others! 

Barbara — You are returned, good Aunt? And you 
enjoyed your walk in the forest? Sure, there never 
was a kinder day ! 

Aunt Resolute — Enjoy? Enjoy? Good lack, I went 
not forth to seek enjoyment! There be but two things 
to do in this forsaken spot: sleep snug in your bed, or 
wake to be frightened nigh to death. I have slept my 
fill, and now I have been forth to take my daily fright- 
ing — and fright I found a plenty ! Scarce set I forth, 
when behind a great oak tree — 

Barbara — Well ? 

Aunt Resolute — I heard the rustle of an Indian's 
foot. 

Barbara — [excitedly^ An Indian! 

Aunt Resolute — Nay, calm thee, good niece, calm 
thee ! Methought 'twas an Indian, but when I did 
draw more close I saw 'twas naught but a chattering 
jackanapes of a squirrel. (Philippe laughs, Barbara is 
much relieved^ Next as I strolled on, but new recovered 
from that terror, I heard a roaring, a most fearsomq 
roaring, and a crashing in the thicket — •■ 

Philippe — A crash? A roaring? 



2ND A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 37 

Aunt Resolute — Ay. 

Philippe — What roared? 

Aunt Resolute — What but that son of Satan, the 
Governor's new bull calf? Ay, ay, I've had rare enjoy- 
ment in my walk abroad ! A toad under every flower 
that I stooped to pick, a snake under every leaf — 

Philippe — {^polishing rapier^ speaks as if to himself \ A 
snake? And under every leaf? Ay, verily, last night 
the Captain's brandy posset was uncommon strong! 
i^Aunt Resolute starts toward him with staff uplifted to 
strike^ Back ! What is that moving under yonder leaf? 
[Aunt Resolute shrieks and beats at the leaf) Nay, 'twas 
but the wind that stirred the leaf! Oh, that posset, 
that posset! 

Aunt Resolute — Nay, I'll bide here no longer to be 
baited by a saucy fledgling. Sits on porch, fanning herself 

Enter from the house Miriam, who is knitting at a 
stocking. 

Miriam — Have they not yet returned. Mistress Stan- 
dish? 

Aunt Resolute — They? 

Miriam — Why, Rose and Garrett. Are they not 
returned ? 

Barbara — As you see. But Philippe — 

Miriam — [carelessly) Ah, good morrow, Philippe, [to 
Barbara) I have dropped this troublesome stitch. 

Barbara — Give it me. Takes knitting, re-adjusts it 

Re-enter Standish, and stands watching Philippe. 



38 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Miriam — I wanted so to knit out this ball of yarn ere 
they come. Rose and Garrett and — and John Marge- 
son are coming to crack nuts this afternoon, you under- 
stand. 

Philippe — Am not I bidden too, Miriam.? 

Miriam — [carelessly^ Oh, yes! Knits 

Standish — A merry-making, is it ? Then Julius Csesar 
and I were best betake ourselves to quiet. You have 
polished my rapiers as I bade thee, lad? 

Philippe — Ay, sir, I trust they're bright to your mind. 
Yet I would work a breath longer at this rust-spot ere 
I bring them in. 'Tis vengeance slow to clear, this 
rust-spot. 

Standish — 'Twas vengeance hard to win, that rust- 
spot! He was a rare swordsman from whom I won 
that rust-spot. 

Miriam — Captain ! You do not mean that you — 

Standish — I mean — Nay, there be tales not for a 
maid's hearing. See that you clear me the rust-spot, 
Phil. 

Kxit Standish into house. 

Philippe — [goes to Miriam at L) See how you drive 
the Captain hence, Miriam. Methinks you be some- 
what bitter unto all men, save to John Margeson. 

Miriam — Nay, how am I so? Pray you, Philippe, 
you are standing in my light. 

Philippe — [moving aside^ I pray you, pardon me. 

Enter Rose, runnings from wood. 



2ND A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH -TOWN 39 

Rose — [calling over her shoulder^ Ah, sluggard! I 
wagered Fd beat you to the house! 

Enter Garrett, with bag of nuts. 

Garrett — I ran weighted. Rose. 

Rose — Not heavily weighted, (takes bag, turns to others^ 
Look on this, and be pitiful. All the nuts we could 
find! [Philippe drops rapiers on ground and takes bag of 
nuts) And we searched to very weariness, and O, 
Philippe, Garrett fell from the top of a tree. 

Barbara — You suffered no hurt, I trust? 

Garrett — Not to my skin, mistress — that is indif- 
ferent thick. 

Aunt Resolute — But so is not the sleeve of Philippe's 
second-best doublet, alack and alas! Points at Garrett 
with her staff. Garrett puts his left arm behind him. 

Rose — [going to Garrett) Villain! Let me see! [seizes 
his arm. A long tear in the sleeve is disclosed) You did 
not tell me ! 

Garrett — I thought it best to break the news to you 
slowly and gently. 

Philippe — Why, *tis no great matter, Garrett. Rose 
can sew it up in the winking of an eye. 

Rose — If Rose chooses, yes. 

Garrett — Then pray you, choose. 

Rose — Do you deserve so much of me .? 

Garrett — As much — and much more. 

Rose — Saucebox ! Kose sits on stump, Garrett kneels by 
her, and she mends his sleeve. 



40 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Philippe — (examining nuts^ There'll be a plenty when 
all's said, you see. 

Miriam — And John Margeson promised to bring 
more. 

Aunt Resolute — And is it sure that John Margeson 
comes ? 

Miriam — Ay, so he promised. 

Aunt Resolute — And speedily? 

Miriam — At any moment now. 

Aunt Resolute — Then I bid you all a fair good day ! 

Eixit Aunt Resolute into house. 

Miriam — I must knit out this ball of yarn ere they 
come. 

Philippe — They.? 

Miriam — Why, John is not yet here. 

Philippe — I know. 

Miriam — Look forth to the forest, I pray you, and 
see if he is coming. 

Philippe — I will. 

Exit Philippe into wood. 

Barbara — Miriam ! If Philippe, for all he is but a 
lad, if it chanced — Say that he had a liking for you, 
that was bitter cruel of you. 

Miriam — Philippe? Why Philippe is even as a 
brother unto me. 

Barbara — "As a brother!" 'Tis a world-wide word, 
that "as!" 



2ND A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 41 



Garrett — (to Rose) I wonder who 'tis will mend my 
clothes at Wessagusett. I shall miss you. Rose. 

Rose— Wonder, too, who will lend you clothes to 
mend, Garrett Foster! You'll miss my brother Philippe. 

Garrett — I shall miss you both, and sorely. 

Rose — The boat sails this afternoon for Wessagusett, 
doth it not? 

Garrett — Yes. 

Rose — And you sail in her? 

Garrett — That's what I wait to know. 

Rose — To know? 

Garrett — I have spoke with the Governor and the 
Captain. They say if I live soberly as I have lived 
since — since I knew you. Rose, they will allot me a 
strip of land and I can settle here. But it rests with 
you to say if I shall. You know what I mean. 

Rose — I know. 

Re-enter Philippe. 

Philippe — Nay, Miriam, I see naught of John. 

Miriam — Let him come now. My morning's stent 
is knit out. [rises) Where shall I find more yarn. Mis- 
tress Standish ? 

Barbara — (rising) I'll find it for you. 

Miriam — And you, Philippe, will you begin to crack 
the nuts? 

Exeunt Barbara and Miriam into house. 

Philippe kneels on ground at L and cracks nuts 



42 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Garrett — [to Rose) An't please you, you are sewing 
my sleeve down on my shirt-sleeve. 

Rose — I care not. [breaks thread) 'Tis done now. 

Garrett — Nay, 'tis not done yet. You are to answer 
me. [confidently) 'Tis not done ! 

Rose — There, then ! [sticks needle into his arm^ rises) 
Is't done now ? 

Garrett — A pest on your mischief! 

Philippe — Rose, what mischief are you doing.? 

Rose — Oh, naught. Just setting finish to my work. 

Garrett — [following her to porch) Is that my answer } 
Is't so you set sharp finish to your work.? 

Rose — [at house-door) That's one answer. And here's 
another ! Throws him a kiss. Garrett starts forward to 
seize Rose. She darts into house and closes door behind her 

Garrett — [in high spirits) The last law repeals those 
that went before it, and the last answer — hey, Philippe ? 
[strips off his coat, sits by Philippe on ground) What do 
you there, little brother.? At your devotions.? 

Philippe — Maybe, yes. 

Garrett — Who is the saint? 

Philippe — Tell me now, Garrett Foster, did you ever 
love a woman.? 

Garrett — A dozen of 'em ! 

Philippe — Nay, now, you're playing the fool. And 
I spoke in earnest. 

Garrett — I'm in no mood for earnest answers to-day, 
Philippe. 



2ND A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 43 

Philippe — I'm sorry. I sought your counsel. 

Garrett — My counsel ? A staid fellow like you ask 
counsel of me .? Faith, 'tis a red-letter day ! And you 
want instruction in the Art of Love ? 

Philippe — Say a man hath an affection — 

Garrett — Nay, say Philippe de la Noye consumes 
with love ! 

Philippe — For a certain woman — 

Garrett — Say, Miriam Chillingsley ! 

Philippe — How did you guess ? 

Garrett — I'm neither bat nor mole. 

Philippe — But none of the others, not even John 
Margeson, suspects — 

Garrett — Pest on your Margeson ! He'd never sus- 
pect aught. It argues brains — this suspecting. So 
you love her, Phil ? 

Philippe — Ay. 

Garrett — Then tell her so. 

Philippe — Why, she'd rebuff me. 

Garrett — How do you know? 

Philippe — I can guess. 

Garrett — In any case, 'twould be civil to give the 
lady opportunity to speak her mind. 

Philippe — How would you go about to tell her? 
Garrett — Why, thus. Come hither! [takes Phil- 
ippe^ s hand^ Miriam, my sweetheart — 
Philippe — Deuce take it, man! Let go my hand! 



44 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Garrett — True, she might speak thus, were she coy, 
but, by the Lord, Phil, Miriam hath no such hand-grip 
as thine! Be quiet now. Here's more instruction. 
I would go on about as thus: You know that I love 
you, lass, else you've no eyes; and I know that you 
have an inclination unto me — 

Philippe — Yes, but I don't know ! 

Garrett — Hold your tongue ! You're to speak only 
when Miriam would speak. That you have an incli- 
nation unto me. Then come, clap hands and a bar- 
gain ! And a kiss thereupon ! 

Philippe — {throwing him off) Hold, hold! On your 
honor, would you go about so to woo a maid? 

Re-enter Rose and pauses in door-way ^ unobserved. 

Garrett — (rising) Faith, yes! For, mark me, Phil- 
ippe, 'tis the only way. Plague of your mewling, 
pining lovers, say I ! The wenches like to be carried 
by storm. Knock at the door, hat in hand, and you 
may cool your heels on the door-stone four hours 
together. But up with your knee and burst in the 
door boldly, and — 

Philippe — Did you ever woo a maid in just that way, 
Garrett ? 

Garrett — To be sure, yes, half a score of them ! 

Rose — [coming forward) How many of the half score 
did accept you, Garrett? 

Garrett — [dumbfounded) Rose, you — 

Rose — The Captain would speak unto you, Philippe. 

Kxit Philippe into house. 



2ND A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 45 

Garrett — (trying to appear at ease^ You come in a 
good time. Rose. 

Rose — Good time for you or for me? [Garrett starts 
toward her) Nay, now, I must turn my hand to the 
wheel, [sits at wheel) So you sail this afternoon for 
Wessagusett? 

Garrett — Do I ? 

Rose — What know I? I but know 'tis a fair day for 
a journey. 

Garrett — You were in a different mood when you 
went hence. 

Rose — Or I mistake, or so were you. 

Garrett — Are you angry because of those foolish 
brags I was vaporing to Philippe? 

Rose — So you do acknowledge at last that you are a 
braggart ? Oh, the good, humble youth ! Tut, tut ! 
Never thrust out your lip like that, Garrett. It 
becomes you very ill. 

Garrett — You might spare jesting. Rose, [goes toward 
her) You know that I — 

Rose — [putting wheel between them) I'd best be prepared 
if you go about to up with your knee and burst in the 
door boldly. 

Garrett — [angrily) The devil! Sits on stump R 

Rose — Truly, a proper patron saint for your fearsome 
style of wooing. Begin now ! I'm fortified ! [ajter a 
moment, sings) 

And now you're sulking, sulking, sulking, 
And now you're sulking, my good man ! 



46 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Garrett — You call for music, mistress? Listen, then! 

"Shall a woman's virtues move 
Me to perish for her love? 
Or her well deservings known, 
Make me quite forget mine own?" 

Rose — Rarely sung, Garrett! Only you flatted that 
last note. You'd best sing it again till you be perfect. 
Come, again ! Again ! 

Garrett — (^crosses to her, sings) 

"If she slight me when I woo, 
I can scorn and let her go. 
If she be not fit for me, 
What care I for whom she be ? " 

Enter yohnfrom wood, with several ears of corn. 
John — Give you good day! 

Rose — Oh, you are come at last? [runs to him') Nay, 
fling by your hat, and be you welcome ! Such dull 
company as I am pining in ! Nay, I'm your servant 
ever for this release. 

John — I scarce dared hope for such a welcome. Rose. 
Give you good day, Foster. 

Garrett — [shortly) Good day, sir. Sits sulkily on step 
of porch. 

Rose — Fie, fie! Where are your manners, Garrett? 
John, have you brought the nuts you promised ? 

John — Nay, something better than that. Look you, 
'tis a kind of corn I got of the Indians. If you fry it, 
'twill turn white and be most dainty to eat. 



2ND A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 47 

Rose — Truly? Thou art a rare lad, John! Here, 
Philippe, quickly! 

Re-enter Philippe. 

Wood, and a spark to't! I'll run within for the skillet. 
Philippe gathers loose twigs and makes a little fire at R. 

John — Come, Foster, for all the corn be mine, will 
you not at least look thereon? 

Garrett — No. 

Rose — I prithee, speak not of corn to Garrett. Since 
last August it hath been a tender subject with him. 

Exit Rose, laughing, into house. 

John — (laughing^ I wonder not, in truth! 

Garrett — Do you mind, Margeson, there be some 
tendernesses *tis best not to touch with a rude hand — 
lest tenderness turn tough ! 

John — And what tenderness of thine am I to keep 
hands off, Garrett Foster? Thy tenderness for corn, 
or thy tenderness for — Roses? 

Garrett — Keep a maid's name from men's quarrels, 
you — 

Philippe — Peace, you firebrands! Will you turn the 
autumn woods redder still ? Peace ! The maids are 
here. 

' Re-enter Rose, who carries a long-handled skillet, and 
Miriam, with a skein of yarn. 

Rose — Who cried "quarrel"? Sure, one cried "quar- 
rel" as we came! A rare hour to quarrel, with such 
toys at hand to say whose quarrel's right! Points to rapiers 



48 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Miriam — Ah, Rose, a wicked jest! Good day unto 
you, John. What hold you there? 

Rose — Nay, bear him the skillet, and he will show 
thee magic with what he holds. 

Miriam — I may help you, John ? 

John — Nay, let me not break your labor with the yarn 
you carry. 'Twas Rose that promised. Miriam sighs 
and turns away. 'John goes to fire, gives skillet to Philippe 
to hold, and shells corn into it, Garrett rises and goes 
quickly to Rose. 

Garrett — Rose ! 

Rose — [back to him\ Um-m ! 

Garrett — In an hour they hoist sail for Wessagusett. 
And I wait your answer. 

Rose — Still waiting that answer? I thought you gave 
me mine long since, that song — 

Garrett — I was angered. I meant it not. Ah, Rose, 
sweetheart, I meant it not. 

Rose — If I meant it not, I would not sing that song. 
'Tis scarce a pretty song. 

Garrett — If you like it not, I will forget it and for- 
ever. You see, I am obedient. 

Rose — Miriam, suffer Garrett hold that yarn for you 
since he desires it. 

Garrett — But I — 

Rose — Let me see if you be so obedient. 

Miriam — Here, Garrett, if you will. Sits on porch 



2ND A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 49 

Garrett — {bitterly^ It gladdens my heart to serve 
you. Sits near Miriam^ holds yarn for her to wind 

Rose — How speed you there, John? Saunters to fire 

John — The better for your coming! Rises, the ear of 
corn in his hand. 

Rose — La, la ! What a clumsy compliment you make 
me there ! And old — so old as Methuselah, the father 
of lies. 

John — Nay, the Scriptures tell us — 

Rose — Oh! Then was he not the father of lies? 
[Looks toward Garrett, Garrett has turned his back toward 
Rose, and is making pretense of interested chat with Miriam) 
Still, some one must have fathered them, for in the 
world there be lies a plenty ! 

Miriam — [laughing) O, Garrett! What a droll tale 
you tell ! I ne'er knew you merrier. 

Garrett — [boisterously) Why, mistress, 'tis an after- 
noon for merry-making I 

Rose — [turns to fohn, with hysterical simulation of merri- 
ment) Look you how busy they be, Miriam and Gar- 
rett, and so happy ! Do not your Scriptures say, 'tis 
labor brings contentment, eh, John Margeson ? Let us 
not be idle, then. Give me hither that ear of corn. 

John — Nay, 'tis too harsh and stubborn work for your 
little tender hands. Holds the ear of corn above his head 

Rose — Ah, vaurien! Reaches for the ear which fohn 
holds. A laughing struggle between them. Garrett watches 
Rose and fohn, frowning and wincing at the sight. 



50 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Rose — Nay, but I will! Oh, giant that you are! 
Give it me, I say ! Philippe ! Ungenerous, why will 
you not help? Ah, but I will have it! Voila! (waves 
ear of corn triumphantly^ Now shall you see ! [tries to 
shell corn with her fingers^ Oh ! 'Tis of a toughness ! 

Sits on stump 
John — Let me — 

Rose — Nay, let be ! Give me your knife hither, Phil- 
ippe ! Your knife, I say ! 

Philippe — [hands her his knife, in a warning voice) 
Have a care, sister ! Keen-edged tools, they are not 
pretty toys for a maid to sport with — nor always are 
they safe. I warn you ! Have a care ! 

Rose — [aside to him) Safe ! What care I now for 
safety? What care I now for aught dull — or honest 
— this afternoon of — merry-making? [Garrett still pre- 
tends to be busied with Miriam) Behold me now, good 
John ! All armed to the encounter I Starts to cut corn 
from cob. 

John — A fair warrior, in good truth! 

Rose — [watching Garrett) Ah, think you so, John? 
[cuts unheedingly and wounds her hand) Oh ! 

Garrett — Rose! Starts to her 

Philippe — I warned you! Rose! 

Rose — [piteously) My hand doth bleed! 

Miriam — Oh! The sight of blood! Half faint, she 
clings to Garrett, holding him back from Rose. 

Garrett — Rose, let me look — 



2ND A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 51 

Rose — (looks at Garrett y standing beside Miriam ^ then 
deliberately holds out her hurt hand to yohn) Nay, Garrett, 
Miriam doth need your kindness! I pray you, dear 
John, bind up the hurt for me. Garrett turns and goes 
slowly toward the porch, where he stands snapping a twig 
between his fingers, his eyes on the ground. 

Miriam — [amazed and reproachful^ O, Rose! What 
is it that you do ? 

Rose — [to John^ 'Tis not a deep hurt? 

Philippe — Naught is yet hurt that cannot heal. But 
hurt no more ! 

John — Leave it to me, Philippe! [Binds up Rose's 
hand) You trust your hand unto me. Rose? 

Rose — [curtly) Yea, I trust you — with my finger-tips! 

Miriam — [going to porch) Garrett ! Touches his shoulder 

Garrett — [roughly) Have done! 

Miriam — I pray you — we two, we are but sorry 
spoil-sports here — [half crying) I pray you, come in! 

Garrett — Ay, 'tis the harder for you, little wench ! 
For I have comfort yet in store — a man's comfort. 
Go your ways in ! 

Exit Miriam into house, crying softly. 

I have a man's comfort! Sits on step of porch, fingering 
one of the rapiers. 

John — There ! [finishes bandage) Is't not fairly done. 

Rose — Ay, fairly. 

John — The surgeon's fee ! Kisses her hand. Rose starts 
up, half frightened at what she has roused in him. 



52 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Philippe — Hey, John, to your work! I labor to no 
profit, if you give me not soon fresh store of corn. 
Catch, lad ! Tosses yohn an unhusked ear of corn 

John — Ay, let us be busy, Rose. What said you? 
"Labor breeds contentment"? Look you, now Garrett 
sits idle, he hath fallen to sulking. 

Garrett — (looks up, testing point of rapier with his 
hand) Nay, I am not sulking — nor am I altogether 
idle, fohn tears off last husk of corn. 

Rose — Ah, look! The ear of corn! 'Tis red — a 
fearsome color — the hue of blood ! 

John — The red ear! Know you the custom of the 
red ear ? 

Rose — What custom? 

John — Amongst the savages, the warrior that finds the 
red ear may clasp and claim what maid he will. ( Garrett 
springs up) And we, surely we should follow so good a 
custom ! Catches Rose in his arms 

Rose — (in terror) Ah, John! Let be! 

Garrett — (with an inarticulate cry) You dog! Crosses 
and strikes "John so that he reels back. 

Rose — (hiding her face) What have I done! What 
have I done! 

Philippe — Edged tools! I warned you! 

John — A blow — and from you, you unwhipped thief! 

Garrett — There is a way to wipe out blows. Come, 
Bully Margeson ! Smooth down your cuffs again, man. 
I'll teach you how gentlemen fight. Catches up rapiers 



2ND A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 53 

John — The rogue! What means he? Fight? And 
here ? 

Rose — Ah, no ! Not here ! PhiUppe ! 

Philippe — Too late, I say ! Keep back ! 

Garrett — [throws rapier at 'Johri s feet^ Your sword. 
Master Margeson ! 

John — Nay, I be no cut-throat to have a hand in such 
bloody — 

Rose — I knew it, little brother! There'll be no fight! 
No fight ! 

John — Give me the rapier, (throws off his coat^ 'Tis 
you who have bred this crime, mistress. 

Garrett — (^seizing Rose's arm^ You jade! You jade! 
When I have done you shall kiss me o' the mouth for 
this ! 

Rose — I will kiss the better man. 

Garrett — Then you will kiss me. Garrett almost 
flings Rose aside, and engages with John. The sun is now 
near to setting behind the autumn trees. Only a little light 
is caught and held by the flickering rapiers. 

Philippe — Oh, you fools! Put up! Put up, I say! 

Rose — (crouching against the porch, almost beside herself^ 
Oh, what did I say? They are fighting — they are 
fighting for me — for me ! O, God ! Stop them ! Stop 
them ! Philippe ! Philippe ! 

Philippe — Too late, I say! Too late! 

Re-enter Miriam from house. 



54 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Miriam — O, John ! John ! John Margeson will be 
killed! Help! Help! Help! 

Re-enter Barbara. 

Barbara — A duel! [calls into house) Miles! Miles! 

Re-enter Standish. 

Standish — Put up, you fools, put up ! I'll hang you 
both! 

Rose — Hang! And I — Oh, stop! stop! stop! Flings 
herself madly between the combatants. 

Philippe — Are you gone mad? Philippe Jlings Rose 
aside and himself, by the impetus, breaks through the rapiers, 
staggers, and recovers himself at back. He draws out his 
handkerchief and holds it to his side, staunching the blood 
and every moment growing weaker. No one heeds him. 
Barbara is entirely occupied with Miriam, who clings to 
her, half hysterical. 

Garrett — [to fohn, still fighting mad) Have at you, 
now ! As they engage again, Garrett wounds fohn slightly 
in the arm. 

Standish — Stand where you are — on your life ! Gar- 
rett and fohn lower their rapiers. 

Rose — O, Captain ! Captain ! 

Standish — Who began this? (There is an instant's 
pause. Then fohn lifts his rapier and with it points at 
Garrett) You, Garrett Foster? [Garrett raises his eyes, 
meets the Captain s glance, and lets his eyes fall again) 
Here is no place for brawlers. I put sentence of ban- 
ishment upon you. Never show your face again within 
the Plymouth settlement. 



2ND A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 55 

Rose — (wildly) Banish him? No, no! O, Captain! 
'Twas I stirred them to their quarrel — I — O, Garrett! 
Garrett ! 

Philippe — [coming forward, faintly) I pray you. Cap- 
tain ! Garrett — do not — Staggers 

Standish — [catching Philippe) Lad! What's wrong? 

Helps him to sit on stump 
Rose — PhiUppe! O, my brother! 

Philippe — Nay, 'tis nothing! I came between them 
— Rose — Rose was — Falls back, fainting , against 
Standish' s arm. 

Rose — Oh! Throws herself down on her knees by Philippe 

Garrett — Rose ! Forgive — 

Standish — Go ! 

Rose — What have I done ? O, dear God ! What have 
I done? Rose buries her head, sobbing, on Philippe's 
knees. Garrett turns and goes slowly into wood, fohn, 
with his hand pressed to his wounded arm, watches him go 

CURTAIN 



Act in The Red Light on the Snow 



A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 57 



ACT III 

Scene: — SAME AS ACT I. Candles lighted on table 
and chimney piece. Through the windows can be seen the 
dark night sky, and a few keen, wintry stars. 
At rise of curtain, Barbara sits on settle, Miriam at her 
feet, with her head resting on Barbara s knee. Rose at 
window. Aunt Resolute by fire, knitting. 



58 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Barbara — Rose! Rose! 

Rose — What is't ? I thought you all asleep. 

Barbara — Miriam is dozing — 

Miriam — [sleepily) Indeed, no! 

Barbara — Rest you still, child ! Can you see naught, 
Rose ? 

Rose — Nay, all is dark at the landing. And John 
Margeson promised me so soon as the shallop touched 
the shore he would show a lanthorn there. 

Barbara — A good lad! 

Aunt Resolute — Ay, good at holding a torch to 
other men's triumphs ! 

Barbara — Nay, 'tis not his fault that he had no part 
in this expedition to Manomet; all the settlement 
could not share therein. 

Rose — My brother Philippe went. 

Miriam — [rousing up) What said you of Philippe? 

Rose — The truth, for I spoke only good of him. 

Aunt Resolute — What time o' night is it, niece? 

Barbara — Past mid-evening, I judge, and nipping 
cold, I know. I ne'er have known a night in March 
so bitter. 

Miriam — How they must be suffering in the shallop! 

Rose — Light, ho ! Light, ho ! 

Barbara — They're coming? They're coming? Bar- 
bara and Miriam go to window. 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 59 

Rose- — Thrice waved ! 'Tis they returned, and cold 
and hungry, too. Come, stir, stir, Miriam ! Look to 
the soup if it boil. Miriatn runs to jire 

Barbara — Let us show them a light also. Takes can- 
dle from table. 

Rose — They'll need no light to find their way hither. 
Hark ! ( The tramp of feet is heard in the snow without"^ 
Here cometh one already ! 

Enter C Standish, in corselet and helmet. 

Barbara — Miles! O, my husband! 

Standish — (kissing her^ Safe back again, you see, Bab, 
a bit frosty, but hale else. Faith, you're all astir ! 

Rose — Where should we be, Captain ? 

Standish — You might be sleeping snugly, as we found 
the watchers in the Common House but now. 

Rose — Sleeping.? Margeson and all.? 

Aunt Resolute — Margeson if any, I'll wager me! 

Standish — Why so fierce? Their keeping awake 
profited no one. 

Rose — True enough. Captain, though you might say 
kinder. 

Barbara — What success had you in your expedition. 
Miles.? 

Standish — ^Why, fair success. But preserve me from 
ever making another expedition with the Wessagusett 
men! 

Barbara — Such ill comrades? 



6o A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Standish — I would not ask for worse. Still, we have 
secured the corn and some beans. 

Barbara — And what of the Indians, Miles? Are 
they friendly .? 

Standish — Friendly or not, what matters it ? 

Barbara — Indians have arrows, Miles. 

Standish — Ay, and the Plymouth men have bullets. 
(laughs^ The Indians are friendly. 

Miriam — Will you eat of the soup now. Captain 
Standish ? 

Standish — Presently, cousin. I'll shift off this armor 
first. 

Barbara — I'll light you hence. 

Ejxit Barbara R, 'with candle. 

Rose — {^detaining Standish^ Captain Standish, have you 
heard — is there any news maybe — come from Wessa- 
gusett ? 

Standish — No good news, lass. 'Tis an ill end their 
settlement is rushing to. They began with robbing 
the savages, and now the savages rob them, and they be 
so weak they must pocket it up. 'Tis a shame to their 
English blood ! They are living like dogs. 

Rose— All of them ? Oh ! All of them ? 

Standish — So it was for one man, and not the whole 
settlement, you questioned me? Do you think that 
man hath proved worthy of the liking of honest folk ? 
Nay, forget him, lass, forget him ! 

Exit Standish R. 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH -TOWN 6i 

Miriam — You still can have a tenderness for that 
wicked man ? 

Rose — Wicked ? Sure, 'twas not your brother he near 
killed. 

Miriam — Nay, but he hurt John Margeson sorely. 

Aunt Resolute — Not sorely enough! 'Twas the 
worse news I heard of the whole clamjamfry when I 
woke from my nap that he hurt not Margeson sorely ! 

Rose — Ay, John recovered. All is as it was before, 
save that Garrett Foster is sent away. 

Miriam — Nay, comfort you. Rose, if you need com- 
fort. It may be he will return again. 

Rose — O, Miriam Chillingsley ! Who asks him to 
return ? Sure, I do not. Was it not I sent him hence .? 
Did I not say I wished never to see him — 

Enter Philippe C, in buff jacket and high boots. 

Philippe — Never see whom, Rose ? Not me, I pray ! 

Rose — Philippe! You've come back safe? (embraces 
him) Ah ! How cold you are ! 

Philippe — I'll be warm speedily. 

Aunt Resolute — Come hither to the fire, lad. 

Philippe — i^sees Miriam and starts to her\ Why, 
Miriam ! 

Miriam — (with a bowl in her hand) Oh, gently, gently ! 
I'll spill the soup. 

Philippe — What matters the soup? 

Rose — 'Tis not your soup to spill, sir, 'tis the Captain's. 



62 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Philippe — You are looking kindly to the Captain's 
welfare, Miriam. Have you done naught for me? 

Miriam — Yea, indeed, there is soup and to spare for 
you, Philippe. Rose will surely give it unto you. 

Exit Miriam R. 

Rose — Yea, that I will. Sit you down, Philippe, and 
I'll fetch it you. 

Philippe — [sitting by table) Nay, I am not hungry. 

Aunt Resolute — Good lack, but he's young ! 

Rose — Yet but now — Hey, presto! It's a tricksy 
appetite you have, Philippe. Goes to him at table 

Philippe — In any case, 'tis gone. 

Rose — Unless Miriam return to serve you, eh? Listen 
to me, Philippe, listen to me. I bade thee brother 
Miriam, but I did not bid thee be more brotherly to 
her than to thine own sister. 

Philippe — (taking her hands) I would not be her 
brother for the world. Rose. Fret not yourself for 
that, for I say it from my heart. 

Rose — Philippe, you are laughing at me. 

Philippe — Nay, I protest to you — 

Rose — In the depth of your eyes you are laughing. 
Let me go! [tries to pull away from him) I hate you! 
Let me go ! 

Philippe — Come, come, be not angry with me. Rose. 
Be your own dear self again and answer me soberly, 
for there are a many things I have to ask you. 

Rose — Ask me? Of what? 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 63 

Philippe — Hath John Margeson been hither often 
these last days ? 

Aunt Resolute — Cheer thee! He is under foot 
most times o* day. 

Philippe — With whom doth he talk ? 

Rose — With whomsoever is foolish enough to listen. 

Philippe — Is — is Miriam ever thus foolish? 

Rose — I thought you held Miriam discreet. 

Philippe — I — I respect Miriam. I like not to see 
her piningJ Doth all her love still turn to Margeson ? 
Say true, sister! 

Rose — Truly, the soup is boiling over! Tries to run to 
fire. 

Philippe — (staying her^ These days when we have 
been storm-bound, when you knew we were in peril 
on the sea, did — did she speak aught — of us. Rose.? 
Have we — have I been at all in her thoughts? Tell 
me, sweetheart sister, tell me ! 

Rose — I see not what concern of yours it is, Philippe. 

Philippe — I would fain know if I have been at all in 
her thoughts. Come, honey, answer me. 

Rose — You are far too young for such matters, little 
brother. Breaks away from him 

Philippe — [after a moment) As you will. What shall 
I do with this letter. Rose ? 

Rose — What letter? 

Philippe — A letter for you I have here. 



64 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Rose — Forme? Oh! Forme? From Wessagusett ? 

Philippe — One of the settlers who joined our expe- 
dition gave it me. I think he said 'twas from Garrett 
Foster. 

Rose — (running to hini^ Oh, give it me, give it me, 
Philippe ! 

Philippe — Now I see not what concern of yours it is, 
my Rose. 

Rose — Philippe de la Noye, give me my letter! 

Philippe — You are far too young for such matters, 
little sister. I'll bear it to the Captain. ^\HK ^^^J^ A\ 

Rose — Oh! Philippe! Philippe! Come back! Come 
back ! What is it that you want me to say of Miriam ? 
Give me my letter. I'll tell you anything. 

Philippe — Hath she thought of me? 

Rose — Oh, she hath lain awake all night and gone 
quite without food. Give me my letter. 

Philippe — Nay, answer me in earnest. 

Rose — Nay, 'tis mostly earnest. The day it stormed 
so bitterly, she wept, though she wished me not to 
know. She hath had no more than a good morrow 
for John Margeson since you set sail. Now give me 
my letter, dear, sweet Philippe, give me my letter ! 

Philippe — Nay, dear, sweet Rose, there is one thing 
else you must do ere you have it. 

Rose — Aught you will, but be brisk, be brisk! 

Philippe — Will you find pretext to send Miriam 
hither unto me, and quickly ere my courage ooze away? 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 65 



Rose — I will, I will ! I'll have her here though I 
fright my guardian angel with my lying, (^snatches 
letter) You rogue ! 'Twould serve you rightly if I 
broke promise with you ! (opens letter) O, me ! O, 
me ! I cannot read this devilish English hand ! 

Philippe — Maybe I might — 

Rose — Maybe you mightn't! I'll take it unto Aunt 
Resolute ! O, sweet Aunt Resolute, wake up ! Shakes her 

Aunt Resolute — Eh? 

Rose — Come thou within and read to me my letter. 

Aunt Resolute — Within ? Nay, 'tis too far from the 
fire. 

Rose — Nay, sure, 'tis warm within! Are not the 
Captain and Mistress Standish biding there? 

Aunt Resolute — And doth a man in love with his 
second wife know if the fire burn or no ? 

Rose — Nay, indeed, I feel good warmth from within. 

Aunt Resolute — Ay, good warmth, with thy letter 
on thy breast I I've no such make-cheer to fright the 
rheumatics. 

Rose — Oh, but Aunt Resolute, you read so beautifully 
— sweet Aunt Resolute ! 

Aunt Resolute — Well, well, I'll come! I'll come! 

Exeunt Rose and Aunt Resolute R. 

Philippe — Dear Rose! She doth love him, whether 
or no. He was a rare lad, Garrett Foster. Perhaps, 
after all, some part of that advice of his was sound. A 
bit more courage — and give the lass a chance to speak 



66 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

her mind, (^starts to door R boldly, changes his mind, comes 
slowly back to Jire^ Foster's advice — good advice it 
sounded — yet Foster's w^ay of wooing sped but ill with 
Rose ! And if it fare so with Miriam ! [Lord ! Lord ! 
what a thing it is to be afraid ! I think I ne'er before 
was afraid in all my life ! Now if Miriam were but 
an Indian with a tomahawk — Hark! Is it she? 
Now Heaven forbid that she be coming now, so soon — 
an hour hence — a half hour hence — 

Re-enter Miriam. 

Ah ! Good even, Miriam. 

Miriam — You sent for me. Rose said. 

Philippe — Rose told you that I sent for you? When 
I did but bid the jade send you hither that I might 
pretend I met you by mistake! 

Miriam — Philippe ! 

Philippe — Lord! That was a sweet beginning! 

Miriam — Nay, if Rose erred and you want me not — 

Philippe — Want you? I ne'er knew what 'twas to 
want until. I wanted you. Have you no word of wel- 
come for me? 

Miriam — You are welcome home. Sure, that you 
know without my saying. 

Philippe — Things that people know are yet ofttimes 
sweet to hear. 

Miriam — Yea, I can well believe it. Goes to window 

Philippe — Ah, you watch for Margeson, 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 67 

Miriam — Why should I watch for him? He is 
Rose's lover, not mine. 
Philippe — Nay, forgive me. 

Miriam — There is naught to forgive. Why should 
you not speak of John ? He is naught unto me. 

Philippe — {going to her) You mean — 

Miriam — Yea, I mean it in truth. For I — [embar- 
rassed, looks out of window) For he — Ah! What was 
that? 

Philippe — Where ? 
Miriam — There, yonder, the red light on the snow. 

Philippe — Nay, 'tis nothing. A light from the sky, 

we saw it yesternight. 

Miriam — Oh, I like it not. 'Tis fearsome — 'tis like 

witch-play. 

Philippe — Nay, look not forth. Come hither to the 

fire. 

Miriam — [sits on settle) I remember it. When I was 

a child, they used to tell me that that red light presaged 

war and the shedding of blood. 

Philippe — Heaven forbid ! 

Miriam — Tell me, Philippe, tell me true — somewhat 
of Captain Standish's talk I overheard but now, some- 
what touching the savages. Sure, you met with no 
unfriendliness among the savages? 
Philippe — Why, no, Miriam. 

Miriam — You are cheating me because you think me 
afraid. Tell me .truly, Philippe, who is the Indian 
Wituwamat the Captain spoke of? 



68 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Philippe — Why, 'tis just when we were at Manomet, 
this Wituwamat of the Massachusetts tribe came in 
unto the Captain and delivered a long speech we none 
of us could understand. Yea, and he looked scornfully 
upon us, but looks hurt no man and — You must not 
be afraid, indeed, indeed you must not be afraid, 
Miriam, sweetheart ! (^gasps, stops^ It doth not offend 
you that I — called you sweet — that I — [sits by her) 
It doth not offend — [aside) Mayhap 'tis the moment! 
A bit more courage, and beat in the door boldly ! Very 
timidly puts his arm about Miriam. 

Miriam — [indignantly) Philippe! 

Philippe — [drawing away to the far end of settle, angrily) 
Beat in the door boldly ! Verily, that Garrett Foster 
was a fool ! Now you're angered, Miriam. And I — 
I — Ah, well, I cannot doubt 'tis that your thoughts 
are still with John Margeson. 

Miriam — No, I tell you, no ! I have never given a 
thought to John Margeson, not one, not since — Hesitates 

Philippe — [eagerly) Since when ? 

Miriam — Now do you think the heart of a maid doth 
keep a calendar of days or of weeks ? 

Philippe — Ah, why will you tease me? Why can't 
you, like a sweet maid, make it easier for me to tell 
you that I love you? You know I want to tell you. 
You know I — I don't dare tell you — I know not how 
to tell you I love you — I have had no experience in 
such matters. 

Miriam — [pleased, turning to him) Truly, Philippe? 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 69 

Philippe — Ay, truly ! Why, I've never in my life so 
much as kissed any maid save Rose, my sister — 

Miriam — How good you — 

Philippe — You see, there's so devilish little chance 
here for a lad to learn kissing. There are naught but 
staid and married women here in Plymouth town. 

Miriam — (vexed, turning away^ O, Philippe! 

Philippe — Now you won't look at me ! You're not 
even listening ! Oh, there's the devil in women ! 

Miriam — (turns to him in horror^ Philippe! 

Philippe — (seizing her hands as she turns^ Ay, that's 
better — that's much better! Now look at me — and 
tell me — Do you — May I — O, Lord! Why won't 
you give me one word of help ? 

Miriam — Mistress Standish says 'tis not seemly a maid 
show her love for a man till he hath — he hath — ' 

Philippe — But I hath. I would say I — I can't find 
the word to — 

Miriam — Is a lad's love best told — in words? 

Philippe — You mean — Lord! You mean that I may 
— that I — O, Miriam ! Catches and kisses her rapturously 

Barbara — (within^ Patiently, patiently. Rose! As 
Philippe starts to kiss Miriam again. 

Re-enter Barbara and Rose. 

Philippe tries to kiss Miriam, but does not quite dare, lest 
the others see him. Miriam, who is quite sure they will be 
seen, protests in dumb-show. 



70 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Rose — Sit you down here, Mistress Standish. Nay, 
but Aunt Resolute had scarce begun my reading when 
she cried out on the cold and did scurry to her blankets. 
Here still, Philippe? Run hence, I pray you. Can 
you not talk unto the Captain ? 

Philippe — That I will, and very gladly. Rises 

Rose — Philippe! Points to Miriam 

Philippe — Come, I wish you more than Rose, and 
she needs me not. Come, Miriam. 

Exeunt Philippe and Miriam R. 

Rose — Now read me my letter, sweet Mistress Stan- 
dish, (kneels by Barbara^ Oh, read ! read ! 

Barbara — Flurry me not, you giddy-pate! 'Tis a 
task for me to read writing, and this is ill writ indeed. 

Rose — Nay, I am sure 'tis very good writing. 

Barbara — Then why read you it not ? 

Rose — 'Tis only ill writing like mine own I can read. 
This is too good for my reading. Oh, haste, haste ! 
What saith he ? 

Barbara — (reading^ "Good Mistress — " 

Rose — He might have said "Good Rose!" "Dear 
Rose" — that would have been yet seemlier. 

Barbara — "It hath been in my mind to write you 
even since the day I went from Plymouth." 

Rose — Sure, his mind shuts with lock and key, since 
nothing in comes out. 

Barbara — "But at the first I dared not, and still when 
I heard Philippe was recovered, I dared not." 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 71 

Rose — Out on him for a coward ! 

Barbara — "I know not how 'tis I have ventured it 
now, unless it be — " Verily, he hath so blotted it here- 
abouts 'twill need a better eye than mine to unravel it. 

Rose — Oh, try, tryl I must know "unless it be" 
what! Read me that "unless"! 

Barbara — "Unless it be — " 

Rose — Hurry ! Hurry ! 

Barbara — "I know not how 'tis I have ventured it 
now, unless it be — it be — " Ah! "Unless it be that 
I know where love hath ceased, pity may be." 

Rose — Love hath ceased? Love hath ceased? 

Barbara — "Forgive me, then, for that I hurt Philippe. 
I had not entered on the quarrel had I known your 
heart then as well as I know it now." 

Rose — Doth he know it? 

Barbara — "But it was all true and earnest, what I 
said that day, though you would not believe it." 

Rose — Ah, but I did believe it ! How else, since that 
day, hath my heart ached all day long? 

Barbara — "The rumor comes from Plymouth that in 
the spring you will wed John Margeson — " 

Rose — He could write that? He could believe that? 

Barbara — "If you hold him the better man and love 
him—" 

Rose — But I don't, I don't ! Here he insults my taste 
with all else I 



72 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Barbara — "I pray you may be happy. And in your 
happiness you must cease to hate me and try to forgive.** 

Rose — Forgive? I did it long since. 

Barbara — "I can stay for no answer, for the chance 
hath just come to me to go north to Monhegan. I 
shall join the fishing fleet and work my way to Eng- 
land." 

Rose — To England? To England? 

Barbara — "I shall never again vex you, and so make 
an end of ill will. Your assured faithful servant, Gar- 
rett Foster." 

Rose — [as if daze J "j He hath gone! He hath gone! 
Oh ! Oh ! [h^es her face against Barbara' s knee) I said 
— I would lead John Margeson a dance. *Tis mine 
own happiness I have danced down — mine own happi- 
ness and a brave man's heart! 

Barbara — Rose! My little Rose! Indeed, for all 
your folly, you have not deserved this bitter pain. 

Rose — He hath gone! He will not stay for an 
answer! [starts up, hystericallyy What right had he? 
Nay, I will marry John Margeson then. I will not 
have Garrett Foster find that he judged me wrong. I 
will marry John Margeson ! 

Barbara — Rose, what are you saying? You mad 
child ! What are you saying ? 

Rose — Have you not always praised John ? Do you 
not counsel me to marry him? An honest, discreet 
youth, and I can have him for the asking ! Nay, I can 
have him without the asking. His is no dear price. 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 73 



Barbara — {goes to Kase, takes her in her arms^ Nay, it 
is your life, my Rose, my poor, poor little Rose, that 
you are binding, never to bloom loose in sun and wind 
again. Ay, listen, dear! The happiest wife — and 
that, God knows, am I! — hath moments when — Ah, 
my Rose, read your letter yet again — and again, ere — 

Rose — What, what ! You are not speaking for Garrett 
Foster? Nay, I care not for him nor for his letter, 
save that I shall marry John Margeson, I tell you, even 
as Master Foster doth advise. 

Standish — (within^ Barbara! Here, Barbara! 

Barbara — I must go, my Rose, for an instant. There, 
I pray you, calm your mood and bethink yourself. O, 
my dear, this is a long doing. Ere you do it, think — 
and pray ! 

Standish — [within^ Barbara! 

Barbara — I come. Miles ! I come ! 

Fjxit Barbara R. 

Rose— Nay, I be calm enough to take the good advice 
my friends have proffered. Sure, so good a friend as 
Garrett Foster must know ! 

Enter John C, in military dress. 

Ah-h ! There is a proverb apt for this coming of thine, 
John. Speak of the — Tut, tut ! The end is not so 
flattering as the beginning. Yet 'tis apt ! 

John — Are you in one of your mad moods to-night? 

Rose — Nay, I am very sane, more sane than e'er 
before, so prudent folk would say. 



74 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

John — Why, so 'tis well. For 'tis of a serious matter 
I come hither to speak to-night. 

Rose — (with rising hysteria^ A serious matter? Nay, 
though it be serious, yet tell it with a merry face. I 
will not have grave looks to-night, I tell you — I will 
not! I will not! Wherefore should I not be merry.? 
I've had such gay news ! Why do you stand dumb, 
John Margeson? Talk to me, good, ill, I care not 
what, only talk — talk ! 

John — Would you have me break in upon you? 

Rose — Oh, ever your brave Sunday manners, John ! 
And ever that long, long Sunday face ! Nay, look for 
once, just once, as men look o' weekdays. What, cer- 
emony still ? Well, then, there's my ceremonious 
curtsy to requite it. And I should have a Sunday cap. 
(snatches down cap from its hook, and puts it on^ Via, 
your servant ! Is this brave enough to deserve your 
serious matter ? Serious ? La, la ! Tell it me now, 
good, grave John. Is't Indians? Is't a ship of war 
come from New Amsterdam? Is the Governor fallen 
in an apoplexy? 

John — Truly, there are times I believe I like you in 
your wanton moods. 

Rose — My wanton moods are over- flattered, John. 
John I Did any one ever call you "Jack"? "Jack 
Margeson"! 

John — Nay, but you might call me that. 

Rose — Fortune, I thank thee! (throws aside cap\ And 
what will you call me ? 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH -TOWN j<, 

John — Rose, I would call you — wife. 

Rose — Verily and indeed ! Have you not said some- 
what like to this ere now ? 

John — Make an end of jesting, Rose. It has gone too 
far. The gossips have fast coupled our names — 

Rose — Coupled our names? Ours! 

John — Ay, since the ill affair with that son of per- 
dition — 

Rose — Son of perdition ? Ah, to be sure, you must 
mean that young man Foster — ay, Garrett Foster, he 
that gave you so sore an overthrow last summer. 

John — And had he not fled, like the outlawed villain 
that he was, the whipping-post was the least our law 
held in store for him. 

Rose — Oh, he hath no fear of your law — he hath 
now no concern for the colony or aught that is in it ! 
Sure, this is not your grave matter — that Garrett Fos- 
ter is a son of perdition ? Tell me news ! Tell me 
news! 

John — Is it not grave enough that I prayed you but 
now to marry me? 

Rose — Marry you ! 

John — I stand as well as any man in the colony. I 
can care for you as well — 

Rose — And love me as well? Look me in the eyes 
and answer me that, John Margeson ! 

John — Surely, I can love you well, Rose — so that you 
love me well. 



76 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Rose — Yes, yes. So that I love you well! 

John — You'll marry me, then? 'Tis said? 

Rose — Ay ! Oh, let me say it quickly ! I'll marry 
you, I tell you, I'll marry you! Are you content? 

Philippe — (within) Good night to you. Captain! 

Re-enter Philippe and Miriam R. 

Philippe — Ah, John, do you bear me company down 
the hill ? Speaks with Miriam, bidding her good night in 
dumb-show. 

John — Good even then. Rose. And — my right. 

Draws her to him 
Rose — Ay, your right ! Very quiet and white she raises 
her face and with a little shudder receives his kiss. 

Philippe — Rose ! 

Rose — John and I have plighted troth, Philippe. 
Good night to you. 

Exit yohn C. 

Philippe — You — to John Margeson ? Rose ! After 
all you have said? 

Rose — After all I have said. I — to John Margeson. 

Philippe — [angrily) Good night! 

Exit Philippe C. Miriam stands in door to watch 
him go. 

Rose — Philippe I O, my brother ! (she strikes her hand 
against her lips) His right! His right — forever — 
when he will — past my denying ! Oh ! Oh I Sits on 
settle. 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN ^j 

Miriam — (turning from door^ Dear Rose! 

Rose — Shut the door ! Close and quick ! I'm cold ! 
Fm deathly cold! 

Miriam — Ay, sure, 'tis a bitter night. Yet you should 
be heart-warm, sister Rose, new troth-plight and so 
happy. Sits by Rose 

Rose — Ay, new troth-plight and so happy ! 

Miriam — Nay, will you not look at me? Ay, you 
must not feel — Indeed, I do not care for John Mar- 
geson — no, not one jot. Grieve not for that. For I 
see, now I have seen other men, how selfish he is, and 
how cruel — Oh, nay, nay. Rose! Indeed I meant 
it not ! I meant it not ! 

Rose — You spoke the truth of him, I think. 

Miriam — I meant it not. Ah, Rose ! 

Rose — You do not love him? You are quite, quite 
sure you do not love him? 

Miriam — Oh, quite, quite sure! 

Rose — At least I will be glad for that. That's some- 
what. Why, truly yes, Miriam, I am happy. It hath 
been so merry an evening — so merry! Run you to 
bed, sweet. I'll make fast the door. 

Miriam — Come speedily, (takes candle, goes up stairs^ 
Good night. Rose! 

Rose — Good night! 

F.xit Miriam R^. 

A merry evening! A merry — merry evening! (looks 
curiously at her wrists^ Nay, there be no cords upon my 



78 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

wrists — yet I can feel them there ! And I who prom- 
ised long ago to kiss the better man ! [takes the letter 
from floor where it has fallen^ The better man ! I shall 
be John Margeson's wife, as you counselled. I shall 
be John Margeson's wife — and John will have his 
right — his right — his — O, mother in Heaven ! Turns 
sobbing to fireplace. 

The door C opens noiselessly, and Garrett drags him- 
self in, bareheaded, coatless, white faced, in the last 
stages of exhaustion. Me stands leaning against the 
doorframe, speechless, his eyes upon Rose. 

Rose — (with a sense of some one's being in the room, she 
turns slowly, sees Garrett, and starts forward ) Garrett 
Foster! Garrett Foster! Here? Here in Plymouth? 
(recovers herself; bitterly^ Nay, verily, this is not the 
way by Monhegan back to England 1 

Garrett — Rose ! 

Rose — Why have you come? 

Garrett — Faith, what if I came to dance at your 
wedding. Mistress de la Noye ? 

Rose — -I have plighted troth to John Margeson this 
hour — this moment, do you hear? — even as you bade, 
and because you bade! (dashes down letter^ I — Gar- 
rett ! You're spent I Starts to him 

Garrett — No ! No, I tell you ! No ! Don't touch 
me. I must speak with the Captain. I — Keep your 
hands from me. 'Sdeath, I can stand straight! Staggers 

Rose — (half supporting him^ Come to the fire ! Come ! 

Garrett — Not so near yet ! I'm chilled enough to 
freeze the flames. Sinks weakly on settle 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 79 

Rose — Coatless such a night as this? You have not 
tramped it down the Massachusetts trail? 

Garrett — Nay, I made a trail of mine own through 
the bushes. I lost my way. Last night I slept in the 
open. I — Well, 'tis over ! 'Tisover! His head sinks 
upon his breast. 

Rose — Garrett! Look up! Let me run fetch Cap- 
tain Standish ! 

Garrett — Plague o' your Captain ! (catches her skirt^ 
D'ye think I froze and starved for his sake? I don't 
want your Captain ! I want you. Rose ! Rose ! 

Rose — Garrett! Have pity ! Have pity! 

Garrett — [clinging to her, half delirious^ But a mo- 
ment. I want to look on you. I have thought on 
you — but this is real. And I'm out o* the snow; 
'twas up to my thigh some places, and — God! but 
the fire is good ! 

Rose — He's wandering. O, my lad! My poor, poor 
lad! Let me bring you to drink, [she gently looses his 
hold upon her^ Nay, I'll not go out of your sight, Gar- 
rett ! I'll not go out of your sight ! Crosses to cupboard 

Garrett — It looks as I remembered it. I've thought 

on this room so many times, there at Wessagusett. 

There you fight even for the corner you lie in. 

Always brawling there! Sometimes I could scarce 

think of you for the brawling. 

Rose — [crosses with a cup^ There! 'Tis the Captain's 

brandy ! Drink ! 

Garrett — [drinks, then speaks with the ghost of his old 

merriment) It relishes better than the brew you gave 



8o A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

me last summer. Do you remember last summer, little 
Rose? 

Rose — Remember? I shall remember after I am dead! 

Garrett — Your health! My faith, the same old Rose! 

Rose — No ! No, I tell you ! I am to marry John 
Margeson. 

Garrett — Don't speak, O my Rose! Don't speak! 
Give me this minute. He hath had all the winter; 
he will have all the days that are to come. Can you 
not spare me this one minute ? Faith, I'm grown 
humble, even as you could desire ! (rises, draws her into 
his arms^ Only a minute, only to touch your hand, to 
look on you — 

Rose — Let me go, Garrett ! Let me go ! I dare not 
suffer your lightest touch because — 

Re-enter yohn quietly C. 

Garrett — Because you love him ! 

Rose — No! No! Because I hate him. Because I 
love — No ! No ! I said naught ! I said — [John 
closes the door behind him sharply. Rose turns, startled, 
and sees him. There is an instant's silence. Then she 
speaks in a breathless voice) John Margeson ! 

John — [coming down^ I am not welcome, then? You 
have a guest? Ay, as I thought. Good even to you, 
Garrett Foster! 

Rose — John, listen to me. Listen ! 

John — How came you hither? 

Garrett — How else but on my two feet? 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 8i 



John — Howe'er you came, you have broken the edict 
of banishment. 

Rose — The edict ! Garrett ! 

Garrett — I have broken also three palings of your 
rotten stockade. Go mend them. Best take to your- 
self a hammer and put off your sword, 'less ye can 
handle it better than last summer. 

Rose — Oh, hush, hush ! 

John — Let him rail, an he will, lass. When a man's 
hands are tied, we leave his tongue free. 

Garrett — A pretty similitude, Margeson, but my 
hands are not tied, nor like to be. Give me to speak 
with the Captain. 

John — Stand, there! Your business is with the Gov- 
ernor. 

Rose — The Governor ! 
John — What is this gallows' dog to you? 

Rose — He was a good friend to us all. Let him go, 
John ! You head the watch ; you have but to leave 
the way clear. Let him go! Oh, let him go, even 
as he came ! I ask it of you, my first asking, since I 
gave you the right of my lips. 

Garrett — Right of her lips ! Hell burn him ! 

John — I have a duty to the town, mistress, [seizes 
Garrett by the collar^ Come ! 

Rose — You coward ! He can scarce stand ! Runs to 
door R. 

John — He need not feign weakness with me. Flings 
Garrett off so that he falls to Jloor, 



82 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Rose — (calling aloud^ Captain Standish ! Captain! 
Captain ! 

Re-enter Standish. 

Standish — Yes, Rose. What is it? You, Margeson — 

Rose — No, no ! Look not thither. Only listen to me. 
Listen ! You must be merciful. You have always 
been. And 'tis because of me he has broken your 
edict. Promise you will deal gently by him — Garrett 
drags himself to his feet. "John grasps his arm. 

Standish — Garrett Foster! Here? 

Garrett — Let go! (flings 'John aside, steps forward 
unsteadily") At your service, Captain. The bad penny — 

Standish — Silence ! 

Rose — O, Captain! Captain! 

Standish — Peace, Rose ! Foster, you bear in mind 
the words I said to you when I sent you hence. Mar- 
geson, conduct this man to the block-house and secure 
him in close custody. 

Rose — Captain! It is not to prison you are sending 
Garrett Foster — it is to death ! 

John — His deserts, when he hath had due trial. 
Come! 

Rose — Doth the frost wait till you try a man ere it 
freezes him ? Doth starvation wait, or fever, or mortal 
pain ? I tell you, it is a starving man — a man wasting 
with fever — a man frozen to the marrow that you are 
sending to an icy prison — and to his sure death ere it 
dawn to-morrow ! Captain ! Captain ! 



3RD A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 83 

Standish — Good God, lass ! I tell you, I've no choice. 
But if food — my cloak — 

Garrett — I'm no beggar — save for one w^ord — = 
alone with you — Faint and gasping 

John — He would but stay a moment longer in warmth 
and fair company. A cunning knave ! Come ! 

Standish — 'Tis I command here. Stand back! [to 
Garrett^ Your word, lad ! Be quick ! 

John — But Captain — 

Standish — Is this mutiny ? (^ohn salutes and sullenly 
draws back^ Your word now! 

Garrett — (with a gasp^ Indians! . 

Standish — (in angry surprise^ Body of God! What? 

Garrett — Don't fright the girl. Indians! 

Rose — I heard and I'm not frighted. Quick — quick ! 
Your news! 

Garrett — The Indians — they're on the warpath! 
They'll strike here — at Plymouth — in a day — two 
days at most — Garrett sinks down on the settle, half 
unconscious. Rose bends over him. 

John — The man doth but vapor to gain more time. 
Indians ! 'Tis a bugbear dream. Captain, this fellow 
shall delay no longer. 

Standish — You say — 

John — 'Tis not I command. The Governor! (pro- 
duces a sealed warrant\ I think you will scarce nay-say 
this, Captain. Hands warrant to Standish 



84 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 

Standish — (reading^ "Said Garrett Foster — for afore- 
mentioned seditions — not suffered to pass from juris- 
diction of colony." You rat ! You crawled for this 
— the instant this lad staggered in, dying, to bring us 
warning ? 

John — I know my duty, Captain. 

Garrett — Let be! (rises unsteadily^ Take me, while 
yet my feet — 

Rose — Captain! In God's name! You have the 
power ! 

Standish — I did not know he held the Governor's 
warrant. My power — I have no power ! 

John — (collaring Garrett\ Come! 

Rose — Wait ! Wait ! Captain ! In that warrant you 
read no word of prison. You said only that he should 
not pass beyond the jurisdiction of the colony. Don't 
you see? Don't you see? If you held him here — a 
prisoner — a paroled prisoner — 

Standish — (with a shout of relief ^ Well shot. Major 
Rose ! Margeson, take your hands from that man ! 

John — I'll to the Governor. There's a to-morrow! 

Rose — To-morrow is to-morrow! For to-night Gar- 
rett Foster rests here, in the guard of the Captain of 
Plymouth ! 

Standish — Your parole, sir! With his last strength 
Garrett draws himself erect, salutes, and falls to foor 
unconscious. Rose starts to him. "John catches her arm 
and thrusts her back. 

CURTAIN 



Act IV 



The Better Man 



A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 85 



ACT IV 

Scene: — SAME AS ACT III. The shutters are closed 
so that the room is darkened, Pistols and bags of powder 
are upon the table. The room is in marked disorder, with 
chairs overturned or displaced. 

At rise of curtain, Barbara has just finished loading a 
musket at table and is putting it down. Miriam is crouch- 
ing on the settle, in great terror. 



86 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Miriam — Oh, what will become of us! What will 
become of us ? 

Barbara — Miriam ! Hush you now ! Hush ! 

Miriam — (whimpering) I'm so frightened! The 
Indians! Oh, if they get to us! 

Barbara — They will not reach us, not while the Cap- 
tain guards the town, [goes to door C, listens) Listen ! 
You can no longer hear the shots. They have not 
fired a shot for minutes. The fight is surely over. 

Miriam — (sobbing) Oh! Oh! 

Barbara — And you weep ? What wife will you make 
for a lad with a wilderness to tame, if you flinch at the 
first note of danger } Sets the room to rights 

Miriam — Oh, but while the fight was on, down there 
at the stockade, I was brave — was I not brave ? Nay, 
I did not cry out, not once ! I sat quiet here — 

Barbara — And what else should you do, pray ? Men 
cannot be hampered with sobbing women, when they've 
men's work to do. 

Miriam — I would be brave, but — oh! oh! the terror 
of it! Here all was so peaceful — on\y last night 
Philippe swore there was no danger — and then — and 
then this morning, like an awful dream, that sudden 
flurry of snow and the cry that the savages were upon 
us — without warning — 

Barbara — Ay, it is not the fashion with savages to 
send us warning of the hour when they come. 

Miriam — The cries! The shots! And the room so 
dark — I know not if it be night or day ! 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 87 

Barbara — Sure, you would not fling wide the shutters 
to let in stray arrows? 

Miriam — {^glancing fearfully at windows^ Oh! Are the 
shutters fast, think you? Are they fast? Oh, let us 
bar the door ! ^uns up and bars door 

Barbara — Bar the door? Then how shall the men 
run in when they need powder ? Come, come ! If 
our Rose were here, she would show you bravery ! 

Miriam — Oh, Rose! Rose! Where is Rose? No 
doubt she is killed — she and Aunt Resolute! They 
went forth this morning ere the fight began — I do 
know in my heart they're killed — 

Barbara — Folly, child! They came safe into the 
block-house. Did not the men say so? 

Miriam — Ay, they said so! But I don't believe them! 
I — (heavy knocking at door C. Miriam shrieks^ Oh ! Oh ! 

Philippe — (without) Open! Open! 

Miriam — (falls on her knees) Oh! Oh! 'Tis the 
savages ! 

Barbara — You silly wench! Do the savages cry in 
Philippe's voice ? 'Tis Philippe ! Opens door 

Enter Philippe, in buff jacket, with his musket. 

Miriam — (covering her eyes) O, Philippe! Are you 
killed ? I dare not look ! Are you killed ? 

Philippe— Killed? I killed? 

Miriam — (peeping between her fingers) You are quite 
sure you're not killed? 



88 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Philippe — (lifts her up and kisses her^ Doth a ghost 
kiss in this fashion ? 

Barbara — And now, if your sweetheart be sufficient 
comforted, tell us, what news do you bring? 

Philippe — Ah, bad news! We have beaten the Indians 
back and the fight is over. Throws open shutters. The 
afternoon sunlight streams in. 

Miriam — And you call that bad news, that the fight 
is over? 

Philippe — Why not? I had looked to see a fight in 
earnest — a grapple, strength to strength — and they 
never once topped the stockade. A few volleys, and 
whiff! [a blown breath) they were melting back into 
the forest! 

Barbara — When you have fought as many fights as 
has the Captain, you will not weep at a fight soon 
done. How is it with the Captain ? 

Philippe — Why, hearty and swearing, as in the days 
when he fought in Flanders ! Ay, and he'll have me 
by the ears, if I hasten not back with the powder. 

Miriam — Powder! But the fight is over! 

Philippe — Ay, but we must keep good guard. And 
their powder is nearly spent. 

Barbara — [giving powder) Run then! 

Philippe — I'll run, you may be sure. I'd not have 
the Captain rate me to-day. Flings open door C. Aunt 
Resolute, in a wadded cloak and hood, is seen drooping on 
the threshold, entirely demoralized. 

Philippe — Why, Mistress Story! Alone? 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 89 

Aunt Resolute — Don't talk to me! Don't talk to me! 

Barbara — Dear Aunt ! 'Tis good to see you safe ! 

Philippe — Sit ye down, mistress. Philippe and Bar- 
bara help Aunt Resolute to sit by the table. Philippe's 
musket slips so it points at Aunt Resolute. 

Aunt Resolute — Oh ! Don't point that gun at me ! 

Philippe — ( bewildered ) Gun ? 

Aunt Resolute — Ay, gun! Gun! Turn it away! 
Turn it away ! [Philippe shifts musket) And get you 
gone, gun and all ! You're far too young to be trusted 
with a gun ! 

Philippe — [indignantly) Mistress Story, there be limits 
to speech ! 

Barbara — There, there! Quickly with that powder! 

Philippe — Ay, mistress! 

Exit Philippe C. 

Aunt Resolute — The careless jackanapes ! 

Barbara — Dear Aunt! To think of you at the 
block-house, where the fight was sorest! 

Aunt Resolute — Ay, well I know it! 

Barbara — Your brave cloak — 'tis all besmeared with 
dirt! 

Aunt Resolute- — 'Tis no wonder. These last hours 
I have spent a-neighboring with the pumpkins in a 
snug, dark corner of the cellar. 'Twas a fine dark 
spot, but not over-salubrious for my rheumatics, 

Miriam — Oh, the terror of it! 



90 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Aunt Resolute — Ay, and rare music did I listen to 
— whooping of Indians, and bellowing of men, and 
braying of guns! There sat I, and trembled, and 
prayed, (weeps with humiliation) yea, verily, I have 
prayed to-day with great fervor ! Even I ! 

Barbara — Dear Aunt! My heart is sorry for you! 
There in peril, in the dark, alone — 

Aunt Resolute — (looks up, wickedly) Alone? Did I 
say I was alone ? Mention it not, niece, lest unseemly 
stories go abroad in Plymouth, but I was not alone ! 

Barbara — Not alone ? Some other of the women — 

Aunt Resolute — Slander not women! 'Twas no 
woman sought shelter there in the cellar. A fine lusty 
man — Oh, that such should call themselves men ! 

Barbara — A man? A man in hiding, and a good 
fight toward ? The Captain shall deal with him ! His 
name! 

Aunt Resolute — Nay, I could not see his face. I 
but heard his teeth chattering in the dark, (rises) But 
ni search, and if I find, 'tis one man in Plymouth 
shall taste the quality of my tongue ! Help me hence, 
lass ! (to Miriam) It has been a day ! Goes to door R, 
Miriam helping her. 

Barbara — Pray you. Aunt! 

Aunt Resolute — Eh? 

Barbara — Is our Plymouth still too quiet for your 
mind ? 

Aunt Resolute — You'd say — 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 91 

Barbara — Does it chance you've found at last, even 
in our poor little Plymouth, that new sensation for 
which your soul yearned? 

Aunt Resolute — Saucepate! Bursts into tears 

'Exeunt R Aunt Resolute, weeping bitterly, and 
Miriam. Barbara begins tying up bags of powder 
at table. 

Enter C Garrett. He wears a noticeable crimson 
coat, a little too large for him, and carries a drawn 
sword in his hand, and a pistol in his belt. 

Barbara — (glancing over her shoulder, carelessly^ More 
comings? Well, what do you here, John Margeson? 

Garrett — If you're talking to John Margeson, mis- 
tress, you must speak louder. 

Barbara — Lord save us! You, Garrett Foster? Up 
on your feet, with a sword in your hand? Why, I 
thought you were sick, upstairs, in your bed ! 

Garrett — Well, I've not died there — to be born 
again John Margeson. Comes down and places his sword 
and pistol on chimney-piece. 

Barbara — But surely you — What could have called 
you forth, lad? 

Garrett — Why, I heard a cracking of muskets, and 
I bethought me of a gap in the stockade — 

Barbara — A gap? In our stockade? Did the Cap- 
tain — 

Garrett — The Captain knew naught of it. 'Twas a 
gap I myself made last night to enter, three palings 



92 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

knocked away. So I clapped into what clothes were 
at hand, and went forth to the gap, and — and when 
the fight was over, I remembered the parole that I 
gave not to quit this house. 

Barbara — Ay, your parole ! If they saw you, lad ! 

Garrett — Nay, I think there's no one knows I have 
been forth. For we had that gap quite to ourselves — 

Barbara — You say — 

Garrett — Yes, we had it to ourselves — I and an 
Indian or so ! 

Barbara — An Indian? 

Garrett — 'Twas not in nature an Indian should not 
spy that gap. But no Indian came through that gap! 

Barbara — Bless your brave eyes! And to think I 
could mistake you for John ! 'Twas the coat deceived 
me. 

Garrett — The coat? 

Barbara — Why, sure, 'tis John's old coat you are 
wearing. There's no mistaking its crimson. 'Twas 
the talk of the settlement, when that coat was new. 
How came you by it? 

Garrett — Faith, how do I know? I but know the 
Captain bade Philippe fetch me a doublet from the 
spare coats at the Common House — beggar that I am ! 

Barbara — Nay, hush, lad! I remember. And he 
brought thee this ? 

Garrett — 'Twas by my bed when I woke. And so 
'twas Margeson's coat ? Lie you there ! Strips off coat 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 93 

and flings it down by stairway y where it lies almost con- 
cealed. It is now seen that his right forearm is bandaged 
with a blood-soaked handkerchief. 

Barbara — Save us ! Your arm is hurt ! 

Garrett — Ay. An arrow. I had to cut it out. 
And this rag is untidily soaked. Good mistress, can 
you find me a fresh bandage? 

Barbara — Ay. I'll run for an old linen — 

Garrett — Spare trouble ! (starts to stairs^ I'll tear a 
strip from one of the sheets. 

Barbara — From my sheets ? From my well-beloved 
English sheets.? Now do sheets grow on bushes at 
Wessagusett .? ^fetches old napkin from cupboard and 
bandages his arm^ An you tear my sheets, you'll find 
you'll need do more than guard us from the savages 
ere I forgive you. 

Garrett — I'll remember. And I thank you, mis- 
tress. Kisses her hand 

Barbara — There! Get you to your bed, lest they 
guess you broke parole. 

Exit Garrett up stairs and to chamber Rj. 

A brave lad ! Oh, my poor little Rose ! 

Philippe — [without) Come! Come you in! 

Rose — [without) No! No! I don't wish to come 
in! I— 

Enter C Philippe, holding Rose by the wrist. Her 
hair is disordered, her cap held in place by a single 
pin, her kerchief rumpled, her cloak slipping from her 



94 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

shoulder. She carries a powder-horn slung over her 
shoulder^ and her face and hands are s?nudged with 
black powder stains. 

Philippe — Now shame upon you! You, a lass! 
Loading of guns at the stockade, there among the 
men, as if you were a boy ! 

Rose — {s^^^y) Oh, la, la, little brother! You were 
vastly glad an hour agone, when 'twas your gun I 
loaded ! 

Philippe — And you, a girl! You would not find 
Miriam Chillingsley doing such deeds. 

Rose — Now since when am I to pattern myself by 
Miriam Chillingsley? Miriam load a gun? Oh, la! 
Miriam would load a gun from the big end of the 
powder-horn — so ! I tell you, she would, Philippe, 
she would, she would ! 

Barbara — Philippe! Why, what is this clamor? 

Philippe — Where think you that I found her, this 
madcap sister of mine? There at the stockade, there 
where the firing was hottest — all black with powder, 
loading the guns — 

Rose — Ay, and the Governor — the Governor, mark 

you! — he saw me there, too, and what think you he 

said? 

Barbara — That you were best bide elsewhere, since 

you broke from the rule of the Captain's wife. 

Rose — Nay, he said he was proud that Plymouth 
owned so good and brave a soldier ! The honor of it ! 
Straightway I felt myself grow taller by an inch or 
twain. Do you not mark it ? Stands on tiptoe 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 95 

Barbara — Dear heart! Ah, my Rose, 'tis good to 
hear you speak in the old tone, 'tis good to hear you 
laugh ! 

Rose — Laugh? What else should I do? Last night 
I wept and wept, until I think I can never weep again. 
Done is done, Mistress Standish, done is done. And 
'tis a sweet spring day, and we have fought a brave 
fight, and I tell you, the music of the guns can drown 
the cry of a heartache ! 

Barbara — Brave little lass ! 

Rose — Ay, done is done! And I — I am to marry a 
worthy man who — can care for me. Nay, no more 
tears! (turns to Philippe) Why, who's sulking here? 
You know what's gone amiss with Philippe? He's 
jealous ! 

Philippe — (angrily) Rose ! 

Rose — Ay, he's jealous that the Governor called me a 
brave soldier while he — he — You know what the 
Governor bade him do? 

Philippe — You minx ! 

Rose — The Governor bade him come back here to 
the house and guard the women. Poor Philippe ! 

Barbara — And are we not worth guarding? 

Philippe — No ! Not while the other men strengthen 
the stockade and do man's work. Well, 'tis John 
Margeson I can thank that I am put to this service. 
He's done it to spite me, because of the matter of his 
coat. 

Rose — What of his coat? 



96 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Philippe — Why, I fetched some clothes for Garrett 
from the Common House, and John says 'twas his coat 
I took. A churlish fellow to begrudge a coat to Gar- 
rett Foster who saved the settlement ! 

Rose — Ay, Garrett's warning saved the settlement. 
They all know it. They all say it. 'Twas Garrett. 
Mistress Standish, how is he now? 

Barbara — Sleeping soundly, I pray. 

Philippe — Sleeping? Through all this turmoil? Ver- 
ily, he hath learned to be an arrant sleepyhead at 
Wessagusett ! 

Barbara — Ah, let him rest, poor lad! He hath well 
earned it. I think there is somewhat of fever upon 
him. Let him rest. 

Rose — [coming to Philippe, earnestly^ Philippe! You 
are not angry with me in earnest? Look at me, little 
brother ! No, don't look like that ! Ah, Philippe, be 
gentle with me I Indeed, indeed, my heart is sore ! 
And you — you are all is left me. 

Philippe — Rose! I meant it not! There, there, dear! 

Rose — Not a very merry way to crave your counte- 
nance, is it? But I'll be merry straightway, and we'll 
be good comrades, as we used, won't we, Philippe? 
Starts to pat his cheek with a powder-blackened hand 

Philippe — Ay, surely ! Catches her wrist, looks disap- 
provingly at her hand. 

Rose — {laughing^ It is black, nest-ce pas? Well, I'll 
run within and wash my black away. But I'll return 
speedily, Philippe, speedily ! 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 97 

Exit Rose R. 

Philippe — Dear lass ! Ah, Mistress Standish, to see 
her there at the stockade, where any moment a chance 
arrow — Ah, if Miriam had gone with her! I — I — 
Perchance, now the fight is over, Miriam would ven- 
ture forth again now? 

Barbara — Are you there at last? Nay, I'll tell her 
as I go one stays for her without. 

ExU Barbara R. 

Philippe — I thank you, mistress. 

Re-enter Miriam R. 

Miriam — O, Philippe! {hides her face on his breast^ 
Oh, I was so frightened ! 

Philippe — There, there, sweetheart! You're not 
frightened now. Come, sit you down. We have a 
grave matter to speak on. Philippe and Miriam sit on 
settle. 

Miriam — A grave matter? (alarmed^ Oh, surely, the 
Indians are not come to attack us again ? 

Philippe — The Indians are gone. Put the Indians 
from your mind. 'Tis graver far than that. Miriam, 
how shall we go about to tell Rose? 

Miriam — Tell Rose? 

Philippe — Why, that we have plighted troth. 

Miriam — Oh, but she will not be angry. She hath 
a plighted lover of her own. So you have but to tell 
her gently — 

Philippe — I tell her? I? 



98 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Miriam — Why, surely ! 

Philippe — Now I — I should hold it a woman's place. 
And two lassies together know sweet ways to tell secrets. 
'Twould be very seemly if you — 

Miriam — Nay, that I'll not! And fie upon you for 
a coward to ask it of me ! 

Philippe — Did you ever see my sister in her anger? 

Miriam — Nay, to me she is ever gentle. 

Philippe — I have seen her. 

Miriam — But surely so young a maid — so small — 

Philippe — The maid may be small, but not so is the 
anger. Ah, 'tis a grave matter indeed ! How shall I 
tell her? How — 

Miriam — Whate'er you say, you must be very gentle. 

Philippe — I have it! Look you, I'll say somewhat 
of Margeson and her betrothal — 

Miriam — Excellent! She will say how happy she is, 
and then you will say — 

Philippe — Then I'll say that no doubt she will wish 
to see me happy too. Why, 'tis an easy task ! 

Miriam — Yes, yes! 

Rose — (within) Philippe! 

Miriam — Good lack, she's coming! 

Philippe — Nay, perhaps after all, 'twere better that 
you — that you — 

Miriam — That I'll not ! 'Tis you shall tell her ! 'Tis 
you, I say ! R.uns up to window 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 99 

Re-enter Rose, tidy and without her cloak, with knit- 
ting in her hand. 

Rose — Ah, Philippe! I'll wager you know not what 
I am knitting here. Sits by table 

Philippe — {going to her^ Knitting? It looked to me 
as if you did but snarl the yarn. Now, when Miriam 
knits — 

Rose — Oh, I care not to hear of Miriam ! What is it 
I am knitting, tell me! 

Philippe — I — I — 

Rose — Oh, little brother, you are dull to-day ! I am 
knitting you a pair of stockings. I've neglected you 
shamefully these last months. 

Philippe — And am I to wait for stockings till you 
have knit these ? 

Rose — {counting stitches laboriously^ One, two ! Ay. 

Philippe — Verily, I am glad that summer is coming. 

Rose — Jackanapes ! 

Miriam — [aside to Philippe) Tell her now, now while 
she is merry. 

Rose — You shall see how fast I can knit. The stock- 
ings will be ready before the winter. 

Philippe — Yes, I see. 

Miriam — Tell her! Crosses to fireplace. After a mo- 
ment takes down Garrett's pistol from chimney-piece and 
very gingerly handles it. 

Philippe — Rose — er — er — I saw John Margeson 
this morning. 



loo A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Rose — (soberly^ Yes. You told me. 

Philippe — I have hardly had chance to say that I — I 
wish you happy in your betrothal to him. 

Rose — (sadly ^ touching his hand^ I thank you. 

Philippe — (looking helplessly at Miriam^ But — but — 
you see — (to Rose) Surely you are happy in your 
betrothal, sister? 

Rose — Oh, don't speak of this to me — not yet, little 
brother, not yet, dear ! 

Philippe — Sister ! Sits on table near her 

Rose — I don't want to think of John Margeson — not 
this one good hour. I don't want to think of last 
night. I want to believe I am back with you in the 
old days, good comrades as we used to be. Philippe, 
do you remember, when you would wheedle something 
from me, how you used to coax me and call me Sweet- 
heart Rose } Call me that now, as we used ! 

Philippe — Ay, as we used, dear Rose ! 

Rose — Say "Sweetheart Rose"! 

Philippe — (rising) Nay, sister, 'tis foolish, but I did 
promise her who is my sweetheart indeed that I would 
never say sweetheart to — 

Rose — Your sweetheart indeed ! 

Miriam — (hurts her hand with pistol) Oh ! 

Philippe — (crosses, takes pistol froin Miria?n) Take 
heed how you play with that pistol ! If you were 
hurt, sweetheart ! Kisses her 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN loi 

Rose — (springing up^ Oh! Philippe de la Noye! How 
dare you ! 

Miriam — Is this your gentle telling? You've spoilt 
all ! Let me go ! Let me go ! 

Philippe — Oh, but a stockade fight is sport to this ! 
Now if you plight troth to a man, why may not I to 
a maid? 

Rose — Plighted troth? Miriam, you should take 
shame to yourself. My only brother — all I have in 
the world — I did but lend him to you and you've 
stolen him from me — you've — 

Philippe — Peace, I say. Rose ! Will you make her 
weep ? 

Rose — Ay, she must not shed a tear, your sweetheart, 
and you care not though I cry my eyes blind. 

Miriam — Oh, Rose, prithee — prithee — 

Rose — Don't touch me! My only brother! All — 

all I had! 

Miriam — O, cruel! Would you alone be happy? 

Rose — I — happy? Nay, I would alone be — unhappy. 
What right have I — O, Miriam, forgive me! I was 
selfish. I was cruel. Forgive me, little sister. Takes 
Miriam in her arms. 

Philippe — The Lord fought for me ! 

Rose — There, go now — go ! 'Tis a strange day — a 
strange day! Philippe, take your — sweetheart, and 
God go with you ! Philippe kisses Rose's hand 

Exeunt Philippe R, with Miriam, 



I02 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Even Philippe ! Even my brother ! Oh, I'm alone — 

alone ! 

Re-enter on stairs Garrett^ coatless, in a clean shirt, 
the sleeve of which covers the bandage on his arm. 

Rose — Oh! You have risen? 

Garrett — At last ! (comes down stairs^ I take shame 
to myself for a laggard. 

Rose — Ay, well you may! For while you slept, a 
good fight has been fought. Oh, no, no, Garrett ! I 
know not what I say ! You were spent, you were ill. 
'Twas well that you could sleep. 

Garrett — Ay, 'twas well. For I had a good dream. 

Rose — A dream? 

Garrett — I dreamed that all that happened here last 
night was a dream — all but one moment. 

Rose — One moment ? 

Garrett — {^passionately^ The moment when — 

Rose — The moment that you must forget. 

Garrett — Rose ! 

Rose — Ah, not like that, Garrett! You must never 
speak to me like that — never again ! The night is 
over, we are sane now, in the daylight, are we not? 
And — and I am a plighted wife. 

Garrett — (bitterly^ Ay, plighted to a — 

Rose — Hush ! He is to be my husband. 

Garrett — Rose ! [catches her hand) Forgive me ! I 
was a brute to lay more upon you. I — 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 103 

Rose — I pray you, let go my hand. 

Garrett — Sure, you can suffer that much — ^just the 
touch of a friend's hand? You've not cast me out 
utterly from your — friendship? Nay, I'll speak of 
naught that may offend you, I swear it. Only to touch 
your hand — there is no wrong in that? Nor in that 
we speak together for one little moment. 'Tis for the 
last time. 

Rose — Garrett ! Sits on settle 

Garrett — Ay, an they set me free, I shall get me 
back to England. 

Rose — ^Yes! Back to England! And then? 

Garrett — Then to the wars! 

Rose — Yes. 

Garrett — ^When I am gone, I wonder — will you 
ever think upon me. Rose? 

Rose — I shall not forget you. I do not forget my — 
friends. When I sit at my wheel, in — my husband's 
house, I shall think on you, and I shall pray God that 
you speed well — indeed, I shall pray it ! I shall pray 
it ! Rises, turns away 

Garrett— I shall speed the better in that your prayers 
go with me. I — Rose ! Catches her to hi?7t 

Rose — Oh, no! No! It is the end — it is the end! 
I cannot make you a mere friend, not even to give 
myself these moments with you, with an honest heart 
I cannot! We must not speak — we must not see 
each other, never again. Oh, my dear, can't you see? 



104 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

I'm afraid of you ! I'm afraid of myself! Turns away, 
hiding her face. 

Garrett — Forgive me this that I have wrung from 
you. 'Tis for the last time. Goes toward stairs 

Enter John C. 

John — Good morrow to you. Rose. Stands at foot of 
stairs. 

Garrett — Let me pass hence. 

John — 'Tis a high tone you take for a jail-bird. 

Garrett — But you are not my jailer. You ! Will 
you tell me now that the Indians were my bugbear 
dream? Next time, believe my warnings. 

John — You came to warn the settlement ! You came 
to Plymouth to steal my holdings — and you came an 
hour too late ! 

Rose— Oh! 

John — You can make your boast of saving the settle- 
ment — you always were a braggart! But the girl 
is mine — you hear me? Now you may ^o hence. 
[comes down) The Governor hath set you free. 

Rose — [joyfully) Free? 

John — Ay, free ! He hath given you back your parole 
for this brave deed of yours — and you are free. Free 
to go to the devil, an you will ! [turns to Rose) Rose, 
my sweetheart ! Where is my kiss ? Starts to kiss her 

Rose — [shrinking) John! No, no ! 

Garrett — [under his breath) God! Opens door C 

Rose — Garrett ! Runs to him as if for protection 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 105 

John — By what right, mistress, do you hold him here? 

Rose — What right? (wildly) That he is a sick man, a 
fevered man — 

Garrett — Nay, let me go ! There is less fever upon 
me alone, out under the sky ! 

Exit Garrett C. 

Rose — Garrett! O, Garrett! Leans against door, with 

face hidden. 

John — Truly, 'tis a lover-like greeting you give me, 

mistress. 

Rose — (turns to him) John! I — I have to speak w^ith 

you. You will listen ? Oh, you will listen ? 

John — (curtly) I'll listen. 

Rose — You know — you know I said last night — I 
said that I would marry you — 

John — Ay, I have your promise. And you said once 
you kept your promises. 

Rose — Ay, and I'll stand to what I said, unless — 
unless — But for your own sake — Ah, John Marge- 
son, you know, you know 1 I was mad last night, mad 
when I pledged myself to you. I never loved you. I 
could not love you. You know the man I love. 

John — I know that once, here in this very spot, you 
taunted me with breach of faith, because of a gossips' 
rumor. You're not so strict to-day in the matter of 
keeping faith. Remember, mistress, whate'er was said 
of me, I never broke my solemn word. 

Rose — Nor have I. Nor will I. You have my pledge, 
you will do with me as you list. But my heart — 



io6 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

look in my eyes, John Margeson ! — never will you 
have my heart — never — to eternity ! 

John — Let your heart stray, if it dare, so that I have 
you — [catches her in his arms^ you — the you I hold 
— that I hold from Garrett Foster. 

Rose — Oh ! Oh ! A long shudder 

John — I have your pledge, I say — your solemn' pledge 
that you may not break, not till the day I, too, prove 
a false speaker. 

Enter Standish C in armor, with his musket. 

Standish — Margeson! Well met! 

John — [apprehensively^ What would you. Captain? 

Standish — Nay, lad, I want but to look upon you, 
for verily you stand a new man in my eyes ! 

John — [starts and shrinks^ Captain, what — 

Standish — John, this many a day I've wronged you 
in my thoughts. Rose, your woman's eyes saw clearer 
than my own to this man's heart. 

Rose — John, what does he mean.? 

John — Nay, I — I — 

Standish — I mean, lass, 'tis thanks to this man, your 
plighted lover, that the settlement this day was saved 
from the savages. 

Re-enter Garrett C, and Philippe R, and listen 
intently. 

Rose — What ! Captain ! 

Standish — There was a breach in the stockade, and 
John Margeson held that breach alone until we brought 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 107 

him help. Then he slipped away. The snow was so 
thick, faith, John, I could not have guessed who fought 
that fight, but for the crimson of that old coat of thine 
that gleamed through the snow. 

John — My crimson coat ! God ! 

Garrett — {starting forward^ Captain ! 

Rose — And John — John's fight saved the settlement ! 
Oh, I can bear life the better ! 

Philippe — (in amazement^ His fight saved the settle- 
ment ? It was John Margeson who held the stockade ? 

Standish — John Margeson and no other, (to Garrett^ 
Foster, you would speak with me? 

Garrett — I — I — (hesitates^ looking at Rose) Oh, 'twas 
naught. They say you sail this night with aid to Wes- 
sagusett. Let me go with you. Captain! Let me go 
with you ! 

Standish — Have your will. Get your arms! John, 
bid them beat the long roll in the street. Philippe, 
look to my musket, (tosses it to Philippe) then bear it 
to the shallop. We sail within the hour. 

Exeunt Standish C, Philippe R. jfohn starts to door 
C, but pauses by window in thought. Rose starts to 
door R. Garrett goes to her. 

Garrett — Rose! You are happier for that John 
Margeson bore himself bravely to-day ? 

Rose — Must I not be happier ? He may be harsh and 
bitter, but he is a brave man. I can at least respect 
him. Oh, it is far, far easier now — this troth-plight 
that I cannot break. 



io8 A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

Garrett — I would make all things easier for you, 
God knows ! Impulsively Rose catches his hand in hers, 
laying her left hand on his arm. She touches the wound 
and involuntarily he shrinks with pain. 

Rose — Garrett ! Your arm ! You're wounded ! 

Garrett — Nothing! A scratch — an old hurt that 
opened last night. And you believe that I would make 
you happy, were it in my power? 

Rose — I believe it, Garrett. 

Exit Rose R. 

Garrett — God keep you happy! Takes a pistol and 
a cleaning rag fro?n table ^ turns to door C. 

John — (^coming forward) Garrett Foster! 

Garrett — Ay ? 

John — Touching that coat — 

Garrett — Your crimson coat — the coat that man 
wore who fought at the broken stockade? 

John — Ay. Do you — Will you — 

Garrett — [looking him in the face\ I will not make 
it known — no, never! — what man wore that coat. 

John — (holding out his hand) Foster, I — 

Garrett — [striking down his hand savagely) Damn 
you ! Is it for your sake I keep that silence ? 

Re-enter Rose and Philippe R. "John goes slowly 
out C. Garrett steps through door and stands watch- 
ing him go. 

Philippe — Rose, dear! We did not know him. 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN 109 

You've chosen wisely. What ! There are tears in 
your eyes! 

Rose — No, no, I say! I will not weep — not yet! 
'Twas just when they two stood here together — Nay, 
John is a brave man. Oh, I must not look back. I 
must not look back ! Philippe kisses her 

Exit Philippe C. Garrett presently re-enters and 
stands by window, cleaning his pistol awkwardly with 
his left hand, his back to the room. 

Rose — And yet life goes on with me. There will be 
going up and down, and daily tasks to do, ay, and to 
seem merry in the face of the world. Merry ! I won- 
der if I shall ever laugh again. Well, at least I can set 
the room to rights, like a good housewife — a fit wife 
for John Margeson ! (sets room to rights, spies the crim- 
son coat on thejioor) What is that ? Why, what is here ? 
[picks up coat) Whose coat? Oh, John's coat — the 
crimson coat the Captain knew him by. How comes 
it here? [looks at Garrett, who is back to her, then at 
coat) If it were — O, God! If it were! [hides coat 
behind her) Garrett ! [imperatively) Garrett ! 

Garrett — Ay. Did you call. Rose? Comes down, 
still cleaning pistol. 

Rose — What do you there? How awkwardly you 
work ! Is it your old wound makes your arm so slow, 
so clumsy — your old wound ? 

Garrett — [sadly) Old wounds are slow to heal. 
Rose presses her hand on the hurt place ; he shrinks 

Rose — And that old wound — it seems strangely tender 



no A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN act 

— for an old wound ! Had I not best look to it, ere 
you go ? 

Garrett — I tell you, it is nothing. Nay, do not 
touch me ! 

Rose — How was it you said you were hurt? 

Garrett — A knife cut. 

Rose — A knife cut ? [with feigned carelessness^ Then 
'twas you yourself did cut the arrow from your wound ? 

Garrett — {^falling into her trap^ Surely! Who else 
was there to cut it out? 

Rose — Then it was an arrow! It was an arrow — no 
old wound — an arrow — shot to-day — cut out to-day — 

Garrett — Nay, what are you saying? I — 

Rose — Peace, I say! Look at this coat- — this crim- 
son coat — look, look 1 Here in the sleeve, an arrow- 
cut — an arrow-cut! 

Garrett — Rose ! 

Rose — Here in the sleeve, above the place where you 
bear a bandaged arm. Hath John Margeson a wound, 
old or new ? Did John Margeson wear that coat 
to-day ? Did John Margeson fight that fight to-day ? 
Nay, 'twas you — and you would have given him that 
fight for my happiness' sake! 

Re-enter Standish and fohn C. 

Standish — Rose! What outcry is this? 

Rose — A cry that shall ring through Plymouth! 
'Twas Garrett Foster, not John Margeson, that fought 



4TH A ROSE O' PLYMOUTH-TOWN iii 

that fight to-day — it was Garrett Foster, not John 
Margeson, that saved the settlement ! 

John — [coming down to Garrett) Curse you! You told 
it — you told it ! You told 'twas you wore my coat ! 

Rose — He did not tell it! 'Tis you who tell it — 
you ! Captain, you heard — you heard ! 

Standish — [sternly) I heard what he must answer to! 

John — (to Rose, piteously) You would betray me — you 
who plighted troth — who promised — 

Rose — Whose promise was to be mine again — you 
said it! — when I proved you spoke false. Have you 
spoke false here, when you claimed this man's good 
fight — a coward's lie — yes or no — yes or no? i^ohn 
turns away in silence) Ah ! 

Standish — [motions to door C, with the same gesture he 
used to Garrett in Act I) Go out before me ! yohn 
goes out C, with head bent. 

Garrett — [incredulously) Rose! 

Standish — Rose! You will break faith — 

Rose — Nay, Captain, by your leave, I will keep faith 
— the faith I pledged long ago, when I swore to kiss 
the better man ! Holds out her hands to Garrett 

CURTAIN 



Addenda 

The borders and cover design of this book were drawn by 
S. L. Bus ha. The portrait used on the cover, and the 
frontispiece are from photographs by Schloss ; plates facing 
pages JO and 84. are from Byron photographs ; and the 
plate facing page ^6 is from a photograph by Fredericks. 



1>'\ 



/ 6 1903 
























A<=U. 












'"•*• A^ .._ <*. 








i*2^^ *^*::t;''*.'^ -.0^ 
















4^ -^^^ 



.HOft . 












■\ .^4a^s J^^m^ <^^M^s J 












^^^^^^ 













•^1 










